It wasn't an easy decision, but when Mark Pope decided to return to coach his alma mater, he took on all the pressure of UK fandom.

Pope played two seasons at Kentucky, winning a national championship with the program in 1996 under legendary coach Rick Pitino. Following five seasons piloting BYU, Pope accepted the head job for the Wildcats this past April to succeed John Calipari.

ATLANTA — Kentucky has a coach with a clipboard who knows how to use it. New Wildcats head man Mark Pope made all the right decisions down the stretch of a 77-72 win over No. 6 Duke that will have Big Blue Nation falling even further in love with him.

No. 19 Kentucky got its first look at a big dog Tuesday with its game against No. 6 Duke, and by walking away from the Champions Classic clash with the 77-72 win, the Wildcats proved themselves to still be big dogs too.

By Keith Taylor Kentucky Today It took Mark Pope just three games to get his first signature win at Kentucky. The No. 19 Wildcats made timely plays down the stretch to hold off No. 6 Duke 77-72 in the State Farm Champions Classic on Tuesday night in Atlanta.

Otega Oweh knocked down four free throws in the final 10.3 seconds and No. 19 Kentucky claimed the first big win of Mark Pope’s coaching tenure.

It didn't take long for new University of Kentucky head coach Mark Pope to endear himself to Big Blue Nation. When you respect your players and the game itself, you're bound to win over the admiration of the fans,