Kentucky dominates Troy for Mark Pope’s first NCAA Tournament win: 3 things to know and postgame cheers

The Kentucky Wildcats opened their NCAA Tournament run with a commanding **76-57 victory over the Troy Trojans**, giving head coach **Mark Pope** his first tournament win at the helm of the program. Playing in front of a packed arena at **Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee**, the Wildcats shook off a slow start to establish control by halftime and never looked back. The win pushes Kentucky into the **second round**, where they will face **Illinois** in a highly anticipated matchup on Sunday.

### A Slow Start Before Kentucky Took Over

Kentucky began the game somewhat sluggishly, allowing Troy to hang around in the early minutes. The Wildcats committed **five turnovers** in the first 10 minutes, struggling against Troy’s aggressive perimeter defense. However, as the game progressed, Kentucky found its rhythm. **Collin Chandler** played a significant role in breaking down Troy’s defense, attacking the basket and setting up teammates for open looks. By halftime, **Kentucky led 35-27**, giving them much-needed breathing room heading into the second half.

### Dominance in the Paint and Defensive Strength

One of the key advantages for Kentucky was its **size and rebounding ability**. The Wildcats **outrebounded Troy 42-29**, with **Amari Williams and Andrew Carr** dominating the glass. On the defensive end, **Lamont Butler’s return** gave Kentucky a strong presence in the backcourt, forcing Troy into difficult shots and limiting their three-point efficiency. Troy’s leading scorer, **Zay Williams**, was held to just **10 points on 4-of-13 shooting**, a testament to Kentucky’s defensive intensity.

### Otega Oweh Shines in a Breakout Performance

**Otega Oweh** was one of the standout players for Kentucky, delivering an all-around performance that fueled the Wildcats’ second-half surge. He finished with **18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists**, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His defensive effort was equally impressive, as he played a crucial role in shutting down Troy’s perimeter threats. With Oweh stepping up alongside Chandler, Kentucky’s offense became increasingly difficult to contain.

### A Much-Needed Bounce Back from Last Year

This victory holds particular significance for Kentucky following **last season’s shocking first-round exit**. As a **No. 3 seed in 2024**, the Wildcats were stunned by **No. 14 seed Oakland**, losing **80-76** in a game that left fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction. This year, under **Mark Pope**, the Wildcats appear more composed and disciplined, displaying the toughness needed to avoid another upset. The win over Troy not only **erases the sting of last year’s disappointment** but also builds confidence heading into the next round.

### What’s Next: Kentucky vs. Illinois

Kentucky’s next challenge comes against the **Illinois Fighting Illini**, who defeated **Xavier 86-73** to advance. Illinois boasts a **22-12 record** and features dynamic scorers like **Will Riley**, who dropped **22 points** in their opening game. The matchup between Kentucky’s **size and defensive prowess** against Illinois’ **fast-paced offense** will be an intriguing battle. If the Wildcats continue to play with the same **defensive intensity and inside dominance**, they could be on their way to a **deep tournament run** under Mark Pope.

Kentucky fans have reason to celebrate after this **statement win**, but the real test begins now. Can they maintain this momentum and push further into March Madness? Sunday’s showdown with Illinois will be a defining moment for this team.