Kentucky Struggles with Turnovers in Another Losing Season

South Carolina scores season-high 97 points against the Wildcats

Feb. 24, 2026 at 7:00pm

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Kentucky has lost three straight games and is on pace for another 10-loss season, the fourth in a row. The Wildcats' struggles have been largely due to turnovers, as they are averaging over 13 turnovers per game during the losing streak compared to just over 9 during their 8-1 start. Coach Mark Pope expressed frustration with the team's performance and said they refuse to give control to outside critics.

Why it matters

Kentucky is one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country, so another 10-loss season would be highly unusual and disappointing for the fanbase. The team's struggles with turnovers are a major concern, as they have directly led to points for the opposition in recent losses.

The details

In the three-game losing streak, Kentucky is averaging 13.5 turnovers per game, compared to just over 9 during their 8-1 start. These turnovers have been costly, with Florida scoring 25 points off 14 Kentucky turnovers, Georgia scoring 22 points off 13 turnovers, and Auburn converting 14 Kentucky turnovers into 17 points. Coach Mark Pope has expressed frustration with the team's performance and refusal to give in to outside criticism.

  • On February 24, 2026, Kentucky lost to Auburn in a controversial game.
  • Prior to the losing streak, Kentucky had an 8-1 record.

The players

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.

Meechie Johnson

A player for the South Carolina Gamecocks who scored 21 points and had a career-high 9 assists in a win over Mississippi State.

Mike Sharavjamts

A player for the South Carolina Gamecocks who scored a career-high 21 points in the win over Mississippi State.

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What they’re saying

“We refuse to give control to people that are outside of our program. Regardless of how personal it might get, or how bad it might get. We refuse to give control to fans, to give control to anybody else, regardless of how blatantly people are trying to make this not happen. We refuse to give them our power.”

— Mark Pope, Head Coach, Kentucky Wildcats

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.