In a game destined to be remembered for its dramatic final moments, Mark Pope urged everyone to see the bigger picture behind Kentucky’s heart-stopping 85-84 victory over Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament opener. Otega Oweh’s game-winning layup at the buzzer made headlines, but Pope emphasized the true story lies in the team’s resilience after a late collapse.
Addressing the media after the game, Pope recounted the final play, explaining how the plan was to get Oweh downhill and attack the rim. The play worked to perfection, sealing the win. Yet, Pope redirected attention to what came before.
“The story is not really the last play,” Pope said. “The greatness of the moment is that Otega turned it over twice in the last minute, and we blew a 10-point lead. That’s on him, it’s on me, and it’s on everyone. But what makes this so special is that these guys were able to move past the devastation of losing what should’ve been a sure win and still find a way to make that play.”
Oweh himself credited Pope’s “next-play mentality” for helping him recover. “Coach always preaches moving on quickly from mistakes,” Oweh said. “Turning it over was tough, but there was still time on the clock. We just had to focus on the next play, and something good happened.”
For Kentucky, this wasn’t just another victory. It was a showcase of character, resilience, and the ability to persevere under pressure. As Pope put it, “These guys love Kentucky so much and want so badly to perform for this team. They stayed present enough to pull off something incredible in those final seconds.”
The win propels Kentucky to the next round, where they’ll face Alabama, but it also serves as a testament to the Wildcats’ mental toughness. While the SEC Tournament has been unkind to Kentucky in recent years, this victory could signal a turning point.
As Big Blue Nation celebrates Oweh’s heroics, Pope’s words serve as a reminder: this team is about more than just one play. It’s about overcoming adversity, staying composed, and delivering when it matters most. Kentucky basketball is alive and kicking—and they’re just getting started.
