The Kentucky Wildcats faced a defensive reality check in their 85-78 loss to Ohio State over the weekend. A disappointing showing saw the Wildcats allow the Buckeyes to shoot a scorching 56.6% from the field, including 68.4% on two-point attempts. This lackluster performance has dropped Kentucky to No. 61 in the latest KenPom defensive efficiency ratings, a far cry from where they stood earlier in the season.

Ohio State, one of the top three-point shooting teams in college basketball, entered the game averaging 41% from beyond the arc. Surprisingly, the Buckeyes struggled from three, connecting on just 4-of-15 attempts. Yet, Kentucky’s inability to contain them inside and defend effectively against ball screens proved costly. Head coach Mark Pope didn’t mince words when reflecting on his team’s defensive lapses, particularly pointing out the Wildcats’ failure to execute their game plan.

“Defensively, we gave up 15 points on rejects alone,” Pope shared during his Monday evening radio show. “It’s just so uncharacteristic for us, just going away from where we’re leading the ball screen. I had made a huge emphasis about pushing our bigs up to try and get a little bit more of a presence at the point of the screen. When you let teams reject, it’s the worst thing to do.”

Pope’s frustration is understandable. The Wildcats began the season with a defensive benchmark of holding opponents to 39% shooting, a mark they met in their first six games. However, that defensive discipline has since unraveled. In their last six games, they’ve hit that goal only once, and the regression couldn’t come at a worse time with SEC play looming in January.

The Trouble with Ball Screen Defense

A key issue in the Wildcats’ struggles has been their inconsistent handling of ball screens. Pope’s strategy of pushing bigs higher up the floor to apply pressure at the screen’s point was intended to disrupt opposing offenses. However, the execution has faltered, with Kentucky repeatedly allowing Ohio State to “reject” the screens—essentially abandoning the screen action and driving in the opposite direction. This breakdown in communication and positioning led to a slew of easy buckets for the Buckeyes, further exposing Kentucky’s defensive vulnerabilities.

“Rejecting the screen is devastating because it completely throws off our rotations,” Pope added. “It’s not just about one guy; it’s about the entire defense being out of sync.”

Looking for Answers During the Break

The Wildcats have a critical window of time to address their defensive issues before the start of SEC play. Pope and his coaching staff are now tasked with finding solutions to reinvigorate the team’s defensive identity. That could mean simplifying defensive schemes, improving communication, or refocusing on fundamentals like staying disciplined in ball-screen coverage.

“We’ve got to get back to who we are defensively,” Pope emphasized. “When we play with discipline and effort, we’re capable of being one of the best defensive teams in the country. But right now, we’re not close to that.”

The Road Ahead

Kentucky’s schedule doesn’t get any easier as the team heads into the challenging SEC slate in January. With matchups against high-scoring teams like Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas on the horizon, the Wildcats can’t afford to continue their defensive slide. The time off provides an opportunity for Pope and his staff to reset and recalibrate their approach, but the players must also take accountability for their performance.

For Kentucky, the upcoming weeks will be pivotal. Can they rediscover the defensive intensity and discipline that marked their early-season success? Or will their struggles against Ohio State serve as a harbinger of tougher times ahead? One thing is clear: the Wildcats’ defense must improve if they hope to compete at the highest level in the SEC and beyond.