In a nail-biter of a game, the Kentucky Wildcats faced a tough 75-74 loss to Auburn, ending Auburn's five-game skid. The game was a whirlwind, with Auburn clinching victory by scoring the final four points, including a crucial putback with just 1.2 seconds on the clock.
The Wildcats, now standing at 17-10, found themselves in a whistle-heavy contest with a total of 33 fouls called. A key moment came with 14 seconds remaining when Kentucky’s Collin Chandler was called for a foul during an inbound play, just after Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford had narrowed the gap to 74-73 with two clutch free throws.
Kentucky had a slight edge at halftime, leading 39-35, but Auburn outscored them 40-35 in the second half, handing the Wildcats their third consecutive loss.
After the game, head coach Mark Pope addressed the media, choosing his words carefully regarding the officiating. “I’m not allowed to comment on the referees, I won’t comment on the referees,” Pope stated.
“We don’t make excuses. Regardless of what is happening, regardless of how disgraceful things are, we don’t give away our power.”
However, a hot mic caught Pope in a candid moment with UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart after the press conference. “Mitch, if those f------ try to fine me, screw ’em,” Pope said. “I did not say a word about how they cheated us.”
This intense matchup and Pope’s fiery postgame remarks are sure to be the talk of the town, as Kentucky looks to regroup and bounce back from this challenging stretch.