Photo| Chet White UK Athletics

The Kentucky Wildcats played their first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament this past weekend in Milwaukee, and for the first time since 2019, they are heading to the Sweet 16! Let’s take a look at how they got there, as they prepare for a rematch with an SEC rival in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Round of 64: A Strong Start

In his first year as head coach, Mark Pope led Kentucky to face the Troy Trojans in the Round of 64. The collective breath of Big Blue Nation (BBN) was held in anticipation before tip-off—not due to concerns about Troy, but because of the ghosts of March Madness past. Over the last few years, Kentucky had struggled in the tournament, often looking unrecognizable once the postseason arrived, regardless of the opponent.

But Coach Pope, who had made it clear from the start that he understood the assignment, proved his worth. Kentucky put the first-round demons to rest with a 76-57 victory over Troy. Lamont Butler, reflecting on the win, said, “It’s a big relief, winning the first game. The first game’s always tough.”

Strong Team Performance

As a team, Kentucky shot 47.5% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range, showing offensive efficiency. A key theme in this tournament run has been the Wildcats’ focus on getting the ball inside for easy baskets, which has also helped open up outside shooting opportunities. Kentucky won the points in the paint battle, 34-26.

Key Individual Performances

A number of players had standout performances. Otega Oweh led the way with 20 points on 8-13 shooting, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Koby Brea, Andrew Carr, and Brandon Garrison each contributed 13 points in an efficient team effort. Lamont Butler made his return to the lineup, and while his stat line was quiet, his leadership and defensive impact were crucial. His ability to direct the offense and disrupt opposing plays made Kentucky a more confident and controlled team.

With the final buzzer, Kentucky celebrated not only the victory but also Coach Mark Pope’s first NCAA Tournament win as head coach.

Round of 32: Overcoming Illinois

In the Round of 32, Kentucky faced the Illinois Fighting Illini—a game in which they were 2.5-point underdogs. The matchup had a bit of a reunion storyline, as Illinois’ associate coach Orlando Antigua, a former Kentucky assistant, had helped prepare the Illini to face the Wildcats. Despite the familiarity, there was nothing but respect between the two coaching staffs. Coach Antigua praised Coach Pope, saying, “What Mark has done at Kentucky has been exceptional. He’s got some great, experienced guys that, barring injuries, have been really good.”

Another familiar face for Kentucky fans was former player Zvonimir Ivisic’s twin brother, Tomislav, who now plays for Illinois. Tomislav showed flashes of his skills, but it was a night that Illinois would rather forget.

Defensive Dominance

Kentucky’s defense was a standout feature of this game. The Illini boasted two potential first-round draft picks, Will Riley and Kasparas Jakucionis. However, thanks to Lamont Butler’s disruptive play, Jakucionis was held to just 13 points and 6 turnovers (his season average was 15 points per game). Will Riley, who averaged 12.6 points per game, struggled mightily, finishing with only 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Offensive Highlights

On the offensive side, Kentucky played some of their best basketball at just the right time. Oweh, who had been in foul trouble during the first half, bounced back in the second half with 15 points on 50% shooting. Lamont Butler, who had a quiet game against Troy, turned in a brilliant performance against Illinois, scoring 14 points on 4-5 shooting, including 2-3 from three, and adding 5 assists and 3 steals.

But the standout performance of the game belonged to Koby Brea. The sharpshooter scored a team-high 23 points on 10-16 shooting, including 3-8 from beyond the arc. Brea’s individual scoring runs were instrumental in extending Kentucky’s lead and keeping the game in their favor.

Strong Bench Contributions

Kentucky’s bench was also key in this victory. Collin Chandler has really come into his own during this tournament run. His confidence is soaring, and he’s been draining shots from all over the floor, leaving the crowd believing every time he lets one fly. Trent Noah continues to add value, contributing crucial baskets and free throws when his number is called. Brandon Garrison’s energy has been contagious, and his intensity has provided a much-needed spark at key moments.

What’s Next for the Wildcats?

As Kentucky marches on to the Sweet 16, the excitement around the team is palpable. After all the adversity they’ve faced this season, getting to this point is a significant achievement. But they have their sights set on more. A potential showdown with Tennessee, one of Kentucky’s biggest rivals, awaits. The Volunteers were ranked #1 earlier in the season, but Kentucky has already defeated them twice—once in Knoxville and once in Lexington. This SEC rivalry game promises to be a thrilling battle for a spot in the Elite 8.

Stay tuned this week for our game preview, where we’ll dive deeper into the matchup and share our thoughts on how Kentucky can continue their tournament run.