"Playing for the State": Kentucky dedicates win over Vanderbilt to flood victims

Kentucky took care of business on a night they needed to, beating Vanderbilt 82-61. The victory was big on many levels. The Cats avenged last month’s loss to the Commodores and several players made some big strides, namely freshman guard Collin Chandler and graduate forward Andrew Carr. Most importantly, it raised some money and donations for the victims of the deadly floods across the state.

“We talked about it as a team before the game,” Mark Pope said of the flooding during his postgame press conference. “It was a theme for us, just the opportunity we had tonight to do our part to serve those people who are going through what they are right now.“

During his postgame interview with SEC Network, Amari Williams went out of his way to mention how he and his teammates wanted to bring a smile to the faces of those going through so much right now. He did his part, going a perfect 6-6 from the field and 5-5 from the free-throw line en route to 17 points and 6 rebounds. He is the first Kentucky player in 25 seasons to go perfect from the field and perfect from the free-throw line.

“Today, this game meant a lot for us, especially for the people out in Eastern Kentucky, in the floods. Just coming out and playing for the state and those guys, that’s the reason why.”

UK hosted a flood relief donation drive outside Rupp Arena tonight, collecting supplies for victims in an 18-wheeler parked between Rupp and the Hyatt. Pope couldn’t be happier to report that they filled the truck by the time the game tipped off.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to BBN. We put a giant truck out there and it’s full and man, it’s just an incredible commentary on what Kentucky is and what BBN is and how people just give what they have to each other and it’s a beautiful thing.”

It’s not too late to join in. Supplies are still being accepted at the Gatton Student Center and Chandler Hospital on UK’s campus. If you’d like to contribute financially, Pope recommended Governor Beshear’s Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund, 100% of which goes to those in need. The first round of contributions will pay for the funerals of the 14 people who have passed thus far.

“Giving supplies and giving donations of cash to the people of Eastern Kentucky is really important right now,” Pope said. “The first bunch of money is going to be dedicated to paying for the funerals of the 14 people who passed from the flood, and every dollar after that is going to immediate emergency services for these families, so we’re just asking everyone if they can jump in.”

Pope doubled down on his call when he came out for his postgame radio show, asking fans in the stands to donate $5 each to the fund.

“Guys, thanks for helping. If you get a chance, like I said, $5 makes a difference. $1 makes a difference. If you get a chance, I know that sometimes getting on and filling out something online is a little bit of a hassle, but if you just take these three or four minutes, it just will mean so much. It’s a great organization. It’s a great system that Governor Beshear has put together. You can trust that every cent of your money is going to the people who need it and we all need to support each other.”

Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund

Mark Pope asks folks to donate any supplies/food they can to help with flood relief efforts in EKY.

Says he and the team talked about what's going in on that area before the game and how they can help.

The website is https://t.co/hksLfAkHAJ. pic.twitter.com/AJeSUzN9v6

— Zack Geoghegan (@ZGeogheganKSR) February 20, 2025

UK Flood Relief Drive Details

Donations are currently being accepted at two locations on campus. UK asks that you avoid donating clothing and used household items. Needed items include:

• Bottled water
• Non-perishable foods
• Paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels)
• Cleaning supplies

Donation Locations

• Gatton Student Center
  Student Government Association office on the first floor
  160 Avenue of Champions
  Lexington, KY 40508
   
• Chandler Hospital
  Pavilion A Information Desk
  1000 S Limestone
  Lexington, KY 40508