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MILWAUKEE — Less than a week ago, mere minutes after Kentucky basketball’s NCAA Tournament opponent and destination were announced, coach Mark Pope laughed off any talk about himself.
Specifically, what it would mean to earn his first win in the Big Dance after losing his first two appearances, both at BYU. Discussing that topic, Pope said, was “just dumb.”
For what it’s worth, it’s no longer talk now: Pope’s players handed him his first March Madness victory — in convincing fashion, no less — Friday night at Fiserv Forum, as third-seeded UK cruised to a 76-57 win over 14-seed Troy.
With the victory, the Wildcats now are just one step away from the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. A place they haven’t been since 2019.
But first, they must win one more game in Milwaukee. That challenge will come to pass Sunday, when Kentucky faces the winner of Friday’s final contest: sixth-seeded Illinois versus 11th-seeded Xavier.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball: Mark Pope earns first NCAA Tournament victory
Continue reading...
Specifically, what it would mean to earn his first win in the Big Dance after losing his first two appearances, both at BYU. Discussing that topic, Pope said, was “just dumb.”
For what it’s worth, it’s no longer talk now: Pope’s players handed him his first March Madness victory — in convincing fashion, no less — Friday night at Fiserv Forum, as third-seeded UK cruised to a 76-57 win over 14-seed Troy.
With the victory, the Wildcats now are just one step away from the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. A place they haven’t been since 2019.
But first, they must win one more game in Milwaukee. That challenge will come to pass Sunday, when Kentucky faces the winner of Friday’s final contest: sixth-seeded Illinois versus 11th-seeded Xavier.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball: Mark Pope earns first NCAA Tournament victory
Continue reading...
