WATCH: KSR's Exclusive Interview with Mark Pope, Kentucky players after win at Mississippi State

KSR was the only media outlet covering Kentucky to make the trip to Mississippi State, leaving a full day early to beat the winter storm. In turn, Jack Pilgrim and Steven Peake were treated to an exclusive interview with Mark Pope, Jaxson Robinson, and Ansley Almonor following the 95-90 win over the No. 14 Bulldogs. Totally worth an extra 24 hours in Starkville, right?

“Leave it to KSR to be the only ones in the house!” Mark Pope said as he sat down. “Come on, let’s go!”

Tonight was Pope’s 200th career win, but he was much happier to talk about Jaxson Robinson, who scored 27 points, his best performance of the season coming off what may have been his worst. Pope called watching Robinson break through “the best part of coaching,” and said Robinson came to him a few days ago to talk about what he’s going through.

“He had a really tough week. He had a lot of frustration, a lot of things that he was concerned about, and a lot of stress in his life, from basketball, off the court, everywhere and he came to me this morning, and we talked a couple of days ago, and he’s been unbelievable in practice the last two days with his voice and his energy and his juice and his freshness.

“When you get a guy, a young guy, who can get himself to that place, then you see performances like tonight, and I’m telling you, it’s thrilling to watch, and I’m so happy for him.”

Pope had similar praise for Ansley Almonor, who hit three big threes in the second half to help Kentucky fend off a Mississippi State rally; Andrew Carr, who battled through back issues to score 14 points and grab six rebounds in 21 minutes; and Amari Williams, who delivered the pregame speech. See it all below.

Jaxson Robinson and Amari Williams also spoke with Jack about Robinson’s big night, the scene in the locker room afterward, and how Kentucky found its tough streak after the loss at Georgia on Tuesday.

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.