KSR Postgame: UK Men’s Basketball vs. Loyola Maryland (11/21/25)

Date: November 22, 2025
Hosts: Ryan Lemond (in for Matt Jones), Billy R Sports
Theme: Breaking Down Kentucky's Bounce-Back Win and the Pulse of Big Blue Nation

Episode Overview

This episode of the KSR Postgame Show covers Kentucky Men's Basketball's commanding 88–46 win over Loyola Maryland, focusing on the team's response after a crushing loss to Michigan State earlier in the week. Hosted by Ryan Lemond and Billy R (with Matt Jones off), the show analyzes the impact of Coach Mark Pope’s lineup adjustments, standout player performances, fan reactions, and what this win means for the Wildcats' trajectory. The tone is upbeat and optimistic, with fans and hosts sharing relief after a turbulent few days in Big Blue Nation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. UK’s Response to Adversity (01:40–04:20)

• Immediate energy and focus: The hosts emphasize UK’s quick, spirited response to the Michigan State loss.

• Lineup shakeup pays off: With Diabate out (sprained ankle), Cam Williams starts at the 4, and Malachi Moreno replaces Brandon Garrison at center.

  "From the opening tip, there was just more energy, just that little breath of fresh air of mixing up the starting lineup."
  — Ryan Lemond, 02:22

2. Early Offensive Surge – Spreading the Wealth (04:20–05:30)

• Otega Oweh sets the tone: Scores UK's first 6 points by attacking the basket.
• Three-point barrage: Quick succession of threes by Colin Chandler (three in first half), Jasper Johnson, Andrea Yellovich, and Cam Williams.

3. Cam Williams’ Breakout Game (05:30–07:00, 37:13–38:05)

• Stat line: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists – named "Moneymaker of the Game" by the hosts.

• Motivation for rebounding: Multiple interviews postgame, Williams expresses being “mad at himself” for not grabbing a 10th rebound.

  "He didn't want to score 20 points. He wanted 10 rebounds. That tells me about all I need to know about that kid."
  — Ryan Lemond, 06:11

4. Brandon Garrison’s New Role (05:50–07:30, 12:07–12:58)

• Strong response after losing starting spot: 11 rebounds, strong defense.
• Debate ensues with callers over his impact—hosts defend his play, seeing bench role as beneficial.

5. Other Standouts and Combinations (07:01–09:23)

• Denzel Aberdeen: Almost triple-double (11 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast); plays better off-ball, especially with Jasper at PG.
• Coach Pope experiments: Briefly runs Garrison and Moreno together; Jasper Johnson praised for three-point shooting and assists.
• Role for Trent Noah – “Mountain Mamba”: Key bench shooter.

6. Coach Pope’s Postgame Attitude (08:00–09:00)

• Positive leadership: Pope thanks fans, projects optimism.

  "Stay tuned. It’s going to be a great journey."
  — Mark Pope, quoted by Lemond, 08:50

7. Pace and Flow of the Game (07:30–09:03, 38:31–39:15)

• Remark on the game's rapid pace:
  • “Fastest basketball game since I’ve been in Lexington.” — Ryan Lemond, 07:41
  • Only 3 fouls in the first half, 17 total free throws.

8. Fan & Caller Reactions (11:37–45:28)

• Readiness to move on from Michigan State, celebrate growth.
• Calls for optimism and patience with the new players and Coach Pope’s system.
• Debate over social media negativity; hosts and callers urge positive support and perspective.

9. Injury Updates & Rotation Outlook (22:58–24:40, 33:02–43:25)

• Jaden Quaintance: Starting 2-on-2 drills, possible return soon.
• Jalen Lowe’s shoulder: Day-to-day indefinitely; impacts UK’s leadership and ball control.

10. Rotation, Chemistry & Future Lineups (28:36–32:26, 42:46–44:25)

• Lineup flexibility: Cam Williams’ emergence gives UK floor spacing; Diabate and Garrison possibly effective off the bench.
• Minutes distribution: Hosts predict Pope will continue using long rotations (10–11 players).

11. Looking Ahead—Critical Non-Conference Games

• Next up: Tennessee Tech, then key matchups versus North Carolina and Gonzaga.
• Emphasized need for a strong showing in these bigger games to rebuild fan confidence.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “[UK] just came out seemed… like a different basketball team.”
  — Ryan Lemond, 02:51

• “He looked like the Brandon Garrison I think we thought we’d get this year. He was all over the place on the defensive end.”
  — Ryan Lemond, 05:51

• “That tells me about all I need to know about that kid. He didn’t care. He didn’t want to score 20 points. He wanted 10 rebounds.”
  — Ryan Lemond, 06:11 (About Cam Williams)

• “Optimism and, and be positive looking forward. Did you hear him say that right at the end?”
  — Ryan Lemond, 08:50 (Re: Pope’s message)

• “This team… don’t talk a whole lot on the floor.”
  — Caller Seth, 26:31

• “Calls have been really good tonight. On after big wins, sometimes it goes a little astray. Tonight’s calls have been fantastic.”
  — Ryan Lemond, 35:41

Key Timestamps

• [01:40–04:20] — Opening thoughts, lineup changes, UK’s energy and Otega Oweh’s fast start.
• [05:30–07:00] — Cam Williams’ breakout, importance of rebounding.
• [07:30–09:23] — Fast pace of play, Coach Pope’s postgame attitude.
• [11:37–16:16] — First wave of calls, fan opinions on Garrison, optimism for team growth.
• [26:26–28:33] — In-arena observations: team communication, bigs’ mentality.
• [28:36–32:26] — Lineup philosophy, stretching the floor, Walker Horn’s struggles.
• [37:13–38:05] — “Johnny Rocker Moneymaker of the Game”: Cam Williams.
• [42:46–44:25] — Predicting team MVP; hosts split between Chandler, Quaintance, and Oweh.
• [44:42–45:28] — Final caller props Andrea Yellovich, BBN gratitude for the hosts.

Notable Player Stats

• Cam Williams: 13 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast; sparkplug in starting role
• Colin Chandler: 13 pts (multiple 3s), UK's best outside shooter
• Denzel Aberdeen: 11 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast (near triple-double)
• Malachi Moreno: 10 pts, 8 reb; continues to grow as a reliable starter
• Brandon Garrison: 11 reb; better effort in bench role
• Jasper Johnson: 9 pts, 5 ast; praised for smoothness at point guard
• Otega Oweh: 11 pts; aggressive drives set early tone
• Andrea Yellovich: 9 pts, 4 reb in 12 min (called out by final supporter for efficiency)

The Big Picture: Optimism Returns

Despite recent adversity, the show’s hosts and fans home in on the positive trends—the energy shift from new starters, Cam Williams’ emergence, and the potential for this young UK team to come together. Coach Pope’s public positivity is seen as critical to the team’s morale. Several standout individual performances and new offensive options suggest UK’s ceiling remains high, especially as key injured players return and Pope continues to tinker with rotations. The coming games versus Tennessee Tech, North Carolina, and Gonzaga are circled as crucial for Kentucky’s narrative and for keeping fan optimism alive.

Final Thoughts

The episode closes with a sense of renewed optimism and camaraderie in Big Blue Nation. The dominant win, strong individual showings, and willingness to embrace lineup changes are celebrated as necessary steps forward after adversity. Callers express gratitude for the show, the hosts’ vibe remains upbeat, and the anticipation for upcoming high-profile games is palpable.

Summary compiled and structured for fans and UK basketball followers seeking a thorough yet engaging breakdown of the KSR Postgame Show, episode dated November 22, 2025.