Kentucky vs. Loyola Maryland game thread and pregame reading

Kentucky needs to set the tone early and often in this one.

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

The Kentucky Wildcats are looking to bounce back again after another embarrassing performance on Tuesday night against the Michigan State Spartans. The Cats will take on the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds on Friday night at Rupp Arena. Game time is set for 7:00 PM ET on SEC Network+.

Mark Pope’s squad now sits at an unimpressive 3-2 in the early going. Kentucky has dominated the weak squads on its schedule, including Nicholls State, Valparaiso, and Eastern Illinois. However, they’ve been totally outclassed

in the only two games that matter.

The two losses against Louisville and MSU weren’t particularly close, so another blowout win against inferior competition isn’t going to quiet the noise. Rumors are swirling regarding locker room dysfunction, fist fights, and more.

Friday night means a lot for the fans who are still holding out hope for this team. It’s clear that real changes are needed, and fast. Pope’s reaction to this latest blowout loss will probably set the tone for the rest of the season.

Does Brandon Garrison continue to get a long leash despite showing no bite? Is Otega Oweh above criticism, even though he looks like a shell of himself?

There are issues on the offensive and defensive end, but these things matter. This is a get-right game, plain and simple. The players and fans will know just how serious this staff is about winning at the cost of some feelings on Friday night. My hope is that we see a starting lineup devoid of Garrison at the very least. More changes are needed than that, but that’s the one simple shakeup that can rebuild confidence and trust.

As for Loyola MD, they’re not very good. Their record sits at 2-4, which includes wins over Stonehill and Penn State Abington, and losses to Towson, NJIT, Fairfield, and Duquesne.

As I mentioned above, this game isn’t about the score. This game is about setting the tone for now and hopefully the rest of the season.