Challenges are only natural when it comes to a game as competitive as basketball. Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope is certainly embracing these challenges that lay ahead for his side. The 52-year-old meticulously listed out the strength of the Wildcats’ next opponent Alabama Crimson Tide, in his pre-match conference ahead of Saturday’s game. Pope outlined the specific areas where Crimson could impose a potential threat to his team.

As per Wildcats’ writer, Wyatt Huff, on his official ‘X’ handle, on the type of game that Crimson Tide’s play, Pope inflicted – “Certainly their use of the three-point line is pretty heavy. I think they’re actually third in the country in two-point field goal percentage. They’re really, really effective at the rim. Their volume from the three-point line is intense.” Coming on the slightly offensive side of Crimson’s game, Pope further stated how they can cause any opponent trouble. He pointed out – “They haven’t shot it great, but their volume is always scary. Like, on a night where they’re making shots, it’s a long night for their opponent.” 

Wyatt Huff inflicted that Pope concluded his side of the opponent’s analysis by stating that Crimson’s pace and offensive rebounding also stand out. The Wildcats head coach further inserted that Alabama Crimson Tide is a ‘tough’ team to prepare for. But, he rounded his thought by saying that every team in the competition poses different challenges.

People consider the match against Alabama an important one for Pope and his team. Wildcats currently sit 5th in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Just above them on the 4th spot lie the Crimson Tide. Pope has done well so far since his arrival as the head coach of the Wildcats. He has always set his focus on what his side can control, rather than any other distractions. But, to make a major statement in the SEC, his side must beat Crimson in a highly anticipated clash. Playing in front of the home crowd might also grant Wildcats that extra push to get over the line.

Mark Pope led the Kentucky Wildcats in decent knick of form leading into the clash against Crimson

Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats have won in 4 out of their recent 5 outings. What has stood out in these wins, is that Wildcats have won games, where the final scoreline stood quite close. On the contrary, they also registered wins in which they overshadowed their opponent in terms of the final scoreline. The wins against Mississippi State Bulldogs and Florida Gators showed their ability to close out close games.

On the other lines, the triumph against Texas A&M Aggies and Brown Bears showed a certain sort of on-court dominance in spells. However, Pope must have taken notes out of his side’s only loss to Georgia Bulldogs in the last five played. With the type of coach he is, he would not want his side to repeat similar mistakes going forward. What makes the Wildcats’ game against Crimson Tide a more interesting contest, is their similar recent form.

Just like Pope’s team, head coach Nate Oats’ side Crimson Tide has also won 4 out of their last 5 outings. They do look like a team with a certain set of very well-drilled players, at different positions, able to adapt to various game situations. Will you be watching this edge-of-the-seat game? Let us know in the comments.