**Mark Pope Runs Out Of Gas In Lexington**

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Post on Oct 24, 2024

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Mark Pope Runs Out of Gas in Lexington: BYU Cougars Fall Short Against Kentucky

The BYU Cougars, riding high on their undefeated start and a scorching hot offense, found themselves facing a tough test in Lexington against the Kentucky Wildcats. The Wildcats, known for their relentless pressure and physicality, proved too much for the Cougars, ultimately securing a dominant 86-69 victory.

A First Half of Promise, a Second Half of Frustration

The Cougars came out firing in the first half, showing their trademark grit and resilience. Mark Pope's squad kept the game tight, trading baskets with the Wildcats and showcasing their offensive prowess. Alex Barcello, the heart and soul of the BYU offense, was particularly impressive, scoring 12 points and showing masterful control of the tempo.

However, the Wildcats' intensity and physicality began to take its toll on the Cougars in the second half. Kentucky's press, relentless and suffocating, forced turnovers and disrupted BYU's offensive rhythm. The Wildcats, led by the impressive TyTy Washington Jr. and Oscar Tshiebwe, pulled away with a powerful run, extending their lead to double digits and eventually securing the victory.

What Went Wrong for BYU?

While the Cougars battled hard, a few key factors contributed to their defeat:

• Turnovers: BYU committed 17 turnovers, many of which directly led to Kentucky scoring opportunities. The Wildcats capitalized on these mistakes, turning them into easy points and building momentum.
• Rebounding: Kentucky dominated the boards, out-rebounding BYU by a significant margin. Tshiebwe, a force on the glass, collected 17 rebounds, demonstrating the Wildcats' physical dominance.
• Shooting Slump: BYU's normally efficient shooting faltered in the second half. The Cougars couldn't find their rhythm from beyond the arc, and their shots weren't falling at the same rate as the first half.

Looking Ahead for the Cougars

Despite the loss, the Cougars displayed their competitive spirit and ability to play with top-ranked teams. The game provided valuable experience for a young squad, particularly against the intensity and physicality of a program like Kentucky.

As they head back to Provo, the Cougars will look to learn from this loss and apply these lessons in their upcoming contests. Pope and his team will need to find ways to limit turnovers, improve their rebounding, and maintain their shooting efficiency to reach their full potential. The loss to Kentucky might be a painful reminder of what needs to be improved, but it also provides a clear path for future success.