Saturday’s recreation between Arkansas and No. 12 Kentucky performed out like a Hollywood blockbuster.
When John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas in April, the Razorbacks had been picked by many as potential nationwide championship contenders. Going into Saturday’s contest, nevertheless, Calipari and the Hogs had fallen in need of these expectations, carrying an general file of 12-8 and a convention file of 1-6 into Rupp Enviornment.
Because the raucous Kentucky devoted quickly discovered, nevertheless, the data of Arkansas and the No. 12 ranked Wildcats had been thrown out as quickly as Calipari and Kentucky head coach Mark Pope walked into the constructing. Somewhat than getting run out of the health club, Arkansas held a one-point lead at halftime and led by as many as 14 with lower than two minutes to play.
Arkansas took care of enterprise within the remaining minute of play to safe an 89-79 win.
Stunningly, Calipari despatched 23,000 members of Massive Blue Nation to the exits early.
Arkansas gained largely because of the contributions of former Wildcats Zvonimir Ivisic, D.J. Wagner and Adou Thiero. The trio mixed for 52 factors in what is definitely Calipari’s greatest win as the pinnacle coach at Arkansas. All 17 of Wagner’s factors got here within the second half.
Florida Atlantic switch Johnell Davis, who struggled early within the season, lastly got here alive. Davis scored 18 factors on Saturday night on 7-of-14 capturing.
Mockingly, it was a former Razorback in Jaxson Robinson who led the cost for Kentucky. Robinson scored 20 factors within the loss, although his two missed free throws with 1:06 left basically ended any hope of a miraculous Kentucky comeback.
Time will inform whether or not or not the victory units the Razorbacks (13-8, 2-6 SEC) on a path towards the NCAA Match, however the story of Calipari’s triumphant return to Kentucky will likely be informed till the top of time.
