NCAAB News: Kentucky HC Mark Pope drops strong statement about Auburn after heartbreaking loss
After a bad loss to No. 1 Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope issued an honest message about the program that defeated them at home.
The Kentucky Wildcats couldn’t take down the number one ranked program in college basketball, as they fell 94-78 to the Auburn Tigers in a ranked matchup at Rupp Arena. After the deflating defeat, head coach Mark Pope made something clear about Bruce Pearl’s Tigers.
The Wildcats missed a pivotal chance to shock the NCAA with a statement victory over the No. 1 program in the nation. After the loss, Kentucky fell back to a .500 SEC record, and could drop further down in the AP rankings as they were dismantled by the visiting Tigers.
While the defeat stings and will linger in Lexington, Coach Pope knows better than to cry over spilled milk. As the team shifts its focus to the next challenge, he made an honest statement about Auburn.
Auburn got off to a hot start, going on a 12-0 run early in the game, which made the night much easier for Pearl’s side. The first half ended 49-34 in Auburn’s favor, and Kentucky couldn’t trim the lead in the second half.
Auburn played great basketball tonight,” Pope added. “They’ve been playing great basketball all season long. Bruce [Pearl] has done an unbelievable job, not just assembling, but growing and fitting together the pieces on their team. So, congratulations to them.”
