Kentucky basketball pulled off an impressive 90-89 overtime victory over Gonzaga, thanks in part to key adjustments made by head coach Mark Pope during halftime. The Wildcats struggled in the first half, getting outworked by the Bulldogs in nearly every facet of the game.
However, Pope’s team came roaring back with a renewed focus on defense and inside-the-paint scoring. The Wildcats switched up their zone looks, throwing Gonzaga off its rhythm and securing crucial stops on defense. On offense, Kentucky found success by cutting and screening, a strategy that helps when facing strong defenses.
According to Pope, this “cutting teams up” approach was the key to their comeback win. He praised his team’s second-half performance, saying they were able to punish Gonzaga with hard cuts and late passes between players. This newfound resolve is a promising sign for Kentucky fans, who witnessed an experienced team overcome adversity and come out on top against a tough opponent like Gonzaga.
Source: https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/mark-pope-explains-what-gave-his-team-offensive-success-against-gonzaga