Saturday night at Rupp Arena was one of the most emotional and highly anticipated in history, as former Kentucky head coach John Calipari made his return after 15 years at the helm of the Wildcats.
Once the pregame festivities and storylines settled, the action on the court did not favor Kentucky fans.
Arkansas came out strong and maintained control throughout the game, ultimately securing an 89-79 victory over the Wildcats.
The Razorbacks, who typically average just five made three-pointers per game, exceeded expectations by sinking 13 shots from beyond the arc.
Additionally, five Arkansas players finished in double figures, showcasing their depth and determination in a hard-fought battle.
Kentucky fans, players, and coaches were visibly shaken by the tough loss. Head coach Mark Pope noted that his players were especially impacted, taking the defeat hard.
While this loss may linger for the fanbase, Pope’s team must quickly regroup as they prepare for a road matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels on Tuesday night.
Mark Pope: I think they shot the ball exceptionally well and executed effectively. They created several challenges for us, particularly in getting downhill and finding open looks. Their ball screen coverage, especially with pick-and-pop situations, was difficult to defend at times.
Davis was particularly aggressive in the two-man game, coming off screens, and overall, they did an outstanding job knocking down shots tonight.