Kentucky has now defeated Duke, Gonzaga, and Florida.
Mark Pope is off to a historic start as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats. With Kentucky’s thrilling victories over Duke, Gonzaga, and Florida, Pope has become the first Kentucky coach since the legendary Adolph Rupp to win his first three games against AP Top-10 opponents.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Rupp achieved this feat by winning his first seven such matchups from 1948-51.
In addition, Corey Price says this is the fifth-fewest games Kentucky has needed to get three top-10 wins in school history.
Mark Pope becomes the first Kentucky coach since Adolph Rupp to win his first three games against AP Top-10 opponents, via @ESPNStatsInfo. Rupp won his first seven such games from 1948-51.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) January 4, 2025
Fewest games into a @KentuckyMBB season to reach 3 wins against AP Poll Top 10 opponents:
– 7 games (1978-1979)
– 10 games (1998-1999)
– 12 games (1979-1980)
– 13 games (2014-2015)
– 14 games (2024-2025)
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) January 4, 2025
In all three games vs. top-10 foes this season, Kentucky had to overcome significant deficits to secure victories against Duke, Gonzaga, and Florida. The Wildcats trailed by nine points at halftime against Duke, 16 points at halftime against Gonzaga, and by 11 points in the first half against Florida.
In the second half of the Duke and Gonzaga games, Kentucky made crucial adjustments that propelled them to complete their comebacks. Against Florida, after falling behind by 11, the Wildcats responded with an impressive 16-0 run in the first half and never trailed again for the remainder of the game.
The Wildcats are not only winning but doing so against elite competition, reaffirming Kentucky’s status as a national powerhouse. With momentum on their side, Pope and his team aim to build on their success as they face a challenging SEC schedule ahead.
The Big Blue Nation has plenty of reasons to celebrate, and under Pope’s leadership, the Wildcats seem well-positioned for a deep postseason run. Let’s hope that remains the case for the next three months.