KENTUCKY HC MARK POPE Q&A:
* SC is a tough team with some talented guys, and they keep fighting even though things aren't going their way.
* On the defense... Our guys were really focused for the most part. Just a few lapses. They were more disruptive at the point of attack. Bigs were diligent in their assignments, which were complicated tonight. Lamont certainly helps being back. Koby Brea had a great game. We had a talk after the Ole Miss game, and he's had his best two days of practice after that. Really focused on his defense today.
* We're a work in progress. The game can rip you to pieces and leave you in humble spots. That's where you can learn and grow and do some things you didn't realize you were capable of.
* Trent Noah was really solid today. His energy never wavers.
* Brandon Garrison was really special today, outside of one moment we would like to take back. Pope talking about him in terms of behind a future superstar, building the foundation for that, just keeps getting better.
* Amari was big today, too. We've asked so much out of him, and he keeps delivering. +32 in the +/-. He rolled hard to the basket and was aggressive going to catch balls.
* Today means a lot. Every game is big for us. I woke up at 3 in the morning after sleeping for 2 hours and just didn't know which players I would have available. Would have been a "beautiful challenge" if Lamont and Jaxson did not play, but doing it with them and not having any setbacks is big for us.
* No easy wins in this league. Did not take SC for granted.
*****
SOUTH CAROLINA HC LAMONT PARIS Q&A:
* That was a tough one. Great crowd, environment. Two years ago, we found a way to win under those conditions. Today, we weren't good enough. Seemed like we got it to 9 at one point, and then it was 20 in the blink of an eye. That's been a recurring thing for us.
* Kentucky did some good things. We just weren't able to keep pace, offensively.
* Kentucky was back playing at full staff. It was a struggle for us to score against them at full strength. They were motivated and had a lot of energy on defense. Probably a little different from their last game.
* Assumed that Lamont Butler was going to play if he was available. Had to prepare for that. But he changes the dynamic and allows some of the other guys to fill their more natural roles. He's a competitor. He helps them play their best version of basketball on both ends of the court.
