Kentucky pulled off a big statement win on Tuesday against No. 6 Duke in the Champions Classic, but it did not come easy. With the Wildcats down nine at halftim

Hating Kentucky isn’t cool or fun anymore because Kentucky’s coach is both. Mark Pope is relentlessly likable, which means Kentucky basketball has become likable. Adjust accordingly.

Pope played two seasons at Kentucky, winning a national championship with the program in 1996 under legendary coach Rick Pitino. Following five seasons piloting BYU, Pope accepted the head job for the Wildcats this past April to succeed John Calipari.

Kentucky basketball has already picked up a signature win on their resume three games in by beating No. 6 Duke on Tuesday night in the Champions Classic. A win

Kentucky basketball has its first signature win of the Mark Pope coaching era. The No. 19-ranked Wildcats toppled No. 6 Duke 77-72 in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night at State Farm Arena. Despite trailing by as many as 10 points late in the first half,

His level of success was a big part of why Kentucky basketball poached him from BYU. He led Utah Valley to a 77-56 within four seasons, and BYU to a 110-52 record with four tournament appearances. Also,

Mark Pope delivered an early signature win as Kentucky's head coach, but he's putting the attention on his players.

No. 19 Kentucky got its first look at a big dog Tuesday with its game against No. 6 Duke, and by walking away from the Champions Classic clash with the 77-72 win, the Wildcats proved themselves to still be big dogs too.

Otega Oweh knocked down four free throws in the final 10.3 seconds and No. 19 Kentucky claimed the first big win of Mark Pope’s coaching tenure.

Pope has taught his team to keep "coming in waves" and continue to attack. He doesn't want them to stop if it isn't working. Instead, keep going at their opponent. He used offensi