Mark Pope breaks down Collin Chandler’s key 3 in Kentucky’s win over Tennessee
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Kentucky completed a regular-season sweep of Tennessee on Saturday, as the Wildcats again rallied from a double-digit deficit against the Vols to pull out a 74-71 win.
That victory came in large part thanks to a clutch three-pointer from sophomore guard Collin Chandler, as he found nylon with 33 seconds left to put his team ahead 69-68.
The Farmington, Utah, native has carved out a sizable role for himself after averaging just over 10 minutes per game last season. Chandler currently posts 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, and he’s become well-known for his high motor and defensive intensity.
Following the heart-pounding win, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope spoke to the media about the build-up to Chandler’s shot and the discussions he had with guard Otega Oweh about what may be available on the play.
Then, Pope delved into Chandler’s progression and applauded the sophomore for his late-game abilities and overall growth.
“So we actually changed up the play. We were going to a back-same rip, and I was gonna have DA be the snap guy,” Pope said. “And then, literally as we’re walking on the floor I was talking to Otega about ‘Ah, maybe the reject feels good.’ And so we ended up sending him and O is just – the way he’s grown, it just is incredible. Like, it’s really incredible.
“He did not have a good first half. He was really frustrated on the defensive end. A lot of that had to do with Tennessee, but, man, he stepped up and made great under-control, super-physical demanding plays,” Pope continued. “And then, you know, Collin Chandler just continues to – it’s been every game. I mean, every game’s like – the scout on him is going to be in the last four minutes, like, just face guard him at 94 feet and don’t let him touch the ball, because he just makes it. But he’s making (plays) on the defensive end, on the glass, making on the offensive end. So, you know, we’re enjoying that. It makes my job way easier, for sure.”
Chandler and the Wildcats have a week off before they travel to face Florida next Saturday in a game that will play a heavy factor in who ends up atop the SEC.
Parker is currently the sports editor for the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
