Kentucky basketball was back in action on Wednesday, hosting Colgate at Rupp Arena following a week of games on the road. After starting with a 17-0 lead, Kentucky allowed Colgate to make a run and close the gap. Initially, many expected a blowout after the first media timeout, but the Wildcats struggled for much of the first half. In the second half, they managed to pull away and secured a 78-67 victory.
Mark Pope noted that there was a somewhat ‘strange’ energy during the game, different from their usual vibe. He emphasized that energy is crucial for their offensive and defensive rhythm, and throughout the game, it felt a bit off.
“We focus on monitoring and managing our energy. The atmosphere on the court is very important to us. We had ongoing discussions during the game, trying to figure out why the energy seemed off. Perhaps it was the 17-0 start that shifted things, or maybe Colgate made some strong shots. Fatigue and rotation changes could have played a role, too, especially without either of our point guards. We’re striving to master our energy, and games like this can teach us more about ourselves. There was definitely some awkward energy; that initial lead felt odd and may have contributed to the unusual dynamic. Our players responded as they typically do, and I’m proud of them,” Pope said about managing energy.
Looking ahead, Kentucky aims to regain their energy as they prepare for a rivalry matchup against the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday. The crowd’s energy is expected to boost their performance, and the return of Lamont Butler would greatly enhance their rhythm and overall energy.
