At various points in their game against Northern Arizona, Kentucky basketball fans rained boos down on the court, showing their dissatisfaction with the poor play that had them trailing in the second half. With two seconds remaining, however, Alex Wilkins buried a game-winning three-pointer, and all was right at Rupp Arena.
After losing to Kansas earlier in the week, fans expected Kentucky to play with intensity, and easily handle the 0-3 Lumberjacks. However, the familiar problems from the past continued to pop up. They were out-rebounded 32-20 by a smaller team. They gave up a plethora of open shots, allowing N. Arizona to make 52% of their shots and 50% of their three-point attempts. The defensive effort was simply poor.
Offensively, there
was a lot to be happy about. They shot the ball well, making 56% from the field, and the passing was much crisper than against Kansas. It was a solid performance on that side of the ball.
Big Blue Nation was critical of the play, with good reason. They had plenty of negative things to say during the game, and even though they won, plenty of criticisms afterwards. Here is some of what the Kentucky fans posted on X after it was over.
First, Alex Wilkins is a hero in Lexington
ALEX WILKINS OMG😱
— ESPN (@espn) November 14, 2026
Clutch three to give Kentucky the late lead against 30-point underdog NAU! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rncMluJxtH
THANK YOU ALEX WILKINS! Maybe he needs to become our Batman on this team. Can defend, create his on shot, pass the ball and seems to be playing for the name across the front. Love watching him!
— Anthony J. Epps (@CoachAJEpps) November 14, 2026
Alex Wilkins does it again!!!!
— Mario A Maitland (@MarioMaitland_3) November 14, 2026
I need 5 guys on the court playing with the passion of Alex Wilkins at all times
— Matt Sakcilovic BBN (@MattSakR2NG) November 14, 2026
Overall, a poor Kentucky performance
It took an and-one floater by Milan Momcilovic, a falling down fadeaway jumper by Mason Williams, two missed free-throws by NAU, and an Alex Wilkins go-ahead shot to defeat a team you were favorite by 30+ points over.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) November 14, 2026
I’m obviously glad Kentucky won, but that was embarrassing.
Good shot Alex Wilkins but I truly don’t care. Not coping at all. It’s embarrassing to even be in this position
— B☄️ (@BanteredB_) November 14, 2026
Make no mistake about it, we need to start having some very difficult conversations.
— Casey (@BleedBlueCasey) November 14, 2026
But let’s be happy with a win tonight.
This should still be treated like a loss.
— Kentucky Update (@ky__update) November 14, 2026
Pope owns a whole lot to Alex Wilkins
More anger at Mark Pope
I enjoy the shot by Wilkins
— Mark Stoops Burner Parody (@BBN_Commenter) November 14, 2026
but it’s so clear Pope has to turn this ship around this season or he’s gone come March
Not sure that even the most vocal sunshine pumpers in the fanbase will have anything positive to say about this
— tanin smith #BBN (@TaninSmithKK) November 14, 2026
The Mark Pope era is so over. Fresh off a blowout loss you’d think these guys would play with an edge and obliterate this NAU team
The complete opposite. No pride.
I love Mark Pope but this is…
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) November 14, 2026
Even in a win, this is not salvageable. Mark Pope has to go immediately.
— Nolan Fleming (@nolanuky27) November 14, 2026
Oh Mark Pope you are digging yourself into a hole that is impossible to get out of at this point
— Jenna Lifshen (@jensreporting) November 14, 2026
I don’t want to seem like a bad fan, but instead of doing getaways maybe Mark Pope should have had them playing basketball. Team bonding is great but it’s like Kentucky isn’t connected on the floor.
— Berkley’s Pops ™️ (@BrandoAKing) November 14, 2026
And succinctly put by one helpful Kentucky fan....
I’m willing to drive Mark Pope back to Utah.
— Coop® (@ItMeCoop) November 14, 2026
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky fans react to last second win on social media
