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Kentucky

Mark Pope matches Adolph Rupp after beating first three top 10-ranked opponents

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•01/04/25•

BarkleyTruax

Dec 14, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope watches the action during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope watches the action during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Mark Pope became the first Kentucky coach since Adolph Rupp to win his first three games against AP Top 10 opponents, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Pope, has wins over Duke, Gonzaga and Florida so far this season.

Pope still has a ways to go to beat Rupp’s hot start, as he won his first seven games in such matchups ranging from 1948-51. Given the SEC’s heavy-handed nature in 2025, Pope might play seven in one season alone. However, beating all of them is another story.

That doesn’t take away from the tremendous start Mark Pope and his Wildcats are off to this season. Defeating a previously undefeated Florida team 106-100 to start SEC play on Saturday, the Wildcats look to be a legitimate player in an SEC that can easily put 10 or more teams in the NCAA Tournament.

Six Wildcats scored 14 points or more during the contest, and Kentucky’s leading scorer came off the bench. Koby Brea locked in for seven 3-pointers and 23 points while all five starters did their part in leading UK to victory.

It’s the fifth time Mark Pope’s squad has scored 100 points or more this season, as the Wildcats have proven to be one of the most fast-paced teams in the country this season.

Kentucky, who relies on its outside shooting abilities and quick shots in transition, didn’t play to their strengths during their two losses in the non-conference. They dropped a true road game against Clemson and suffered a blowout defeat against Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic in their 13 games before beginning conference play.

With no days off in the SEC this season, Kentucky’s next matchup will be on Tuesday on the road against Georgia (12-1). Pope won’t have another opportunity to win his fourth game against an AP Top 10 opponent for a couple more weeks when they host No. 5 Alabama on Jan. 18.

However, Kentucky plays No. 13 Texas A&M on the Tuesday before they face the Crimson Tide. Depending on how the Aggies fare throughout the next 10 days, they could join the top 10 as well.

UK ends the month of January in Knoxville against No. 1 Tennessee, meaning Pope legitimately could have those seven AP Top 10 games before the end of the month.