Good morning, BBN!

It was a fun night in Rupp Arena as the Kentucky Wildcats raced past the Wright State Raiders to earn their first win of the season. It also marks the first win of his UK career for Mark Pope.

In what can be described as nothing short of a perfect debut, Pope watched the Cats win by the same number that he wore during his memorable career as a player for UK: 41.

It’s no secret that Coach Pope’s hiring caused plenty of mixed emotions when he was first announced. Looking back now, this fit between Pope and the Cats seems to be the perfect match.

With his recruiting wins starting to stack up, alongside his interactions with the fans, all he had to do was win games, and tonight was a great first step to showing he can do just that.

There is still a huge matchup looming, though, as the Cats will face off with Duke in one week. But after Monday night’s performance, it feels like the BBN is back on top of the world.

Congrats, Coach Pope, on your first win of your UK career.

Go Cats!

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Headlines

Kenny Brooks Era Begins with Win Over USC Upstate – UK Athletics
Kentucky had five players in double figures in the win, led by Clara Strack, who scored a game-high 20 points. Strack added six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots.

Oweh, Brea Lead Cats Past Wright State – UK Athletics
Lamont Butler had 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Amari Williams had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Ansley Almonor and Andrew Carr each had 11 points.

UK in the NFL: Chris Rodriguez called up by Commanders – Cats Pause
Ray Davis finds the end zone for the third time this season.

Emma Grome Named SEC Player and Setter of the Week – UK Athletics
Grome had 12.33 assists over the weekend as Kentucky completed a 5-0 road trip with wins over South Carolina and Georgia.

BOX SCORE: Kentucky’s ruthless offensive efficiency stands out early – KSR
Kentucky’s ridiculous offensive efficiency ran Wright State off the court to kickoff the 2024-25 season.

J.J. Weaver Named Finalist for Freddie Solomon Community Spirit Award – UK Athletics
Senior outside linebacker is an advocate for mental health and children’s grief.

Gabby Brooks drains a three against USC Upstate and Kenny can’t help but smile ear-to-ear – KSR
Gabby Brooks scored a three-pointer against USC Upstate, and Kenny Brooks couldn’t help but smile ear-to-ear.

Saints fire coach Dennis Allen after seventh loss in row – ESPN
The Saints fired coach Dennis Allen after losing their seventh straight game Sunday to fall to 2-7 on the season.

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni on Saquon Barkley’s reverse leapfrog: ‘It was the best play I’ve ever seen’
In Sunday’s 28-23 win over Jacksonville, Saquon Barkley authored the most ridiculous 14-yard gain you’ll ever see, leapfrogging over an oncoming Jaguars defender in reverse.

Experts Demonstrate How Solar Farms Can Become Hubs for ‘Biodiversity Enhancement’ at Every Level – GNN
In the same way that artificial coral reefs can jumpstart marine ecosystems, solar farms, if they’re constructed properly, can create more biodiversity.