Kentucky basketball was expected to be one of the better teams in the country this season in year two under Mark Pope. Through nine games, things have been far less than ideal, though. The Wildcats sit at a 5-4 record with losses to all four teams they’ve played at the Power Five level.
Most recently, Pope’s squad lost 94-59 in Nashville to Gonzaga. At halftime, already trailing by 23 points, the Kentucky fans who made the trip from Lexington let him and his team hear about it.
Caught over the broadcast on ESPN2, boos raining from the stands as the team retreated to the locker room.
This was truly unbelievable to witness
Mark Pope and the Kentucky basketball team getting boo’d off the floor in Nashville. Home away from home for UK basketball.
What have you done, Mark. pic.twitter.com/5To5soUKqm
— Beezy (@Burke_Franklin_) December 6, 2025
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Next, Pope and his Kentucky team will look to get back on track against NC Central at home. That game is scheduled for Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Then, it’s another tough test. UK will meet Indiana at home on Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. That’s not it for tough out-of-conference games, either. The Wildcats play Rick Pitino’s St. John’s squad on Dec. 20 at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Tennessee and Kentucky will meet twice this season. First, UK heads to Knoxville on Jan. 17 for a game scheduled for noon ET on ESPN. UT will return the trip on Feb. 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Last Season, the Wildcats defeated the Vols twice in the regular season, once on the road and once at home. However, in the biggest game in the rivalry’s history, Tennessee got revenge in the NCAA Tournament. During a Sweet 16 clash in Indianapolis, the Vols controlled the game and won to advance to the Elite Eight for the third time in school history.
