“Jax just put on his cape”: Mark Pope heaps praise for Kentucky’s Jaxson Robinson after crazy comeback win vs Gonzaga

Kentucky coach Mark Pope praised Jaxson Robinson for taking over as point guard in place of Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa in the No. 4-ranked Wildcats' 90-89 win over the No. 7-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs on Saturday.

NCAA analyst Andy Katz asked Pope about the performance of the BYU transfer. He couldn't hide his admiration for Robinson, who took over in the second half and played the point guard spot like a seasoned veteran.

"Jax just put on his cape," Pope said. "He said 'Listen, I'll go do this.' I mean think about the first two plays we made in overtime and then the ridiculously difficult kind of runner down the lane and unbelievable effort."

"In defense, he just said I know were down bodies but I'll make it work. And he was brilliant."

Robinson finished with 18 points, on 7 of 15 shooting, three rebounds, five assists and one steal in 36 minutes. He was tasked to start as Butler sat out after tweaking his ankle late in the game against Clemson on Tuesday.

Kerr Kriisa played 27 minutes but was subbed out due to what Pope said was a foot/ankle issue he sustained.

Robinson and Andrew Carr sparked Kentucky's fightback from 18 points down to force overtime. Pope turned to Robinson, who led the team to an unforgettable win.

“Jaxson has played some point for me before in big games," Pope said. "Never played as spectacular as he was tonight."

Robinson delivered on Kentucky's last offensive play when he made a jumper with 14 seconds left to give the Wildcats a 90-86 lead.

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Jaxson Robinson thanks his teammates for stepping up for injured Kerr Kriisa and Lamont Butler

Jaxson Robinson deflected the praises from Mark Pope to his teammates for stepping up in place of Kerr Kriisa and Lamont Butler.

“I can’t thank my teammates enough,” Robinson said. “Everybody stepped up. Kerr and Lamont were out, so like I said, everybody had to step up. I just tried to do my job.”

It was Robinson's third straight game in double figures and he improved just four days after Kentucky lost its first game against Clemson in the SEC/ACC Challenge. He scored 12 points on 5 of 13 shooting against the Tigers.

Kentucky's victory spoiled the big night of Gonzaga star Graham Ike, who finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.

Kentucky will aim for its ninth win in 10 games when they take on Colgate on Wednesday at Rupp Arena in Lexington.