Arkansas Takes Down Kentucky in Calipari’s Return

Arkansas defeated No. 12 Kentucky 89-79 in Lexington, as John Calipari secured a much-needed win in his return to Rupp Arena. The three former Kentucky players who followed Calipari to Arkansas, Adou Thiero, DJ Wagner, and Zvonimir Ivisic, each had standout performances.

Game Summary

Arkansas started strong, with Johnell Davis and Ivisic hitting back-to-back threes to open the game. Both teams exchanged scoring runs in the first half, with the Razorbacks shooting 48.5% from the field, 50% from three-point range, and 83.3% from the foul line. Kentucky shot 58.6% from the field, 70% from three, and 50% from the line. A step-back three by Karter Knox in the final seconds of the half gave Arkansas a 46-45 lead at the break.

The Razorbacks opened the second half with an Adou Thiero dunk, followed by two free throws from Thiero to extend their lead. Arkansas had its best offensive performance in SEC play, shooting 55.2% from the field, 52% from three, and 75% from the line. The defense also stepped up, forcing 10 steals while committing only eight turnovers. The Hogs never trailed in the second half, securing the 89-79 victory.

“It’s nice to know they can play this way,” head coach John Calipari said. “We had a great week of practice, and I told them, ‘You’re primed for this. Now let’s go.’”

Who Stood Out for Arkansas

Thiero shined against his former team, leading the Razorbacks in scoring, rebounding, and steals. He finished with 21 points on 5-of-10 shooting, hitting 10-of-12 from the free throw line, while adding eight rebounds and three steals.

Wagner also made a major impact, scoring 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three-point range. He contributed eight assists and three rebounds.

Ivisic delivered key shots for Arkansas, finishing with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 4-of-7 from deep, along with four rebounds, an assist, and a steal.

“I called them [Thiero, Wagner, and Ivisic] in together and said, ‘Are you guys okay going back here?’” Calipari said. “They said, ‘We’re fine, coach. We’re worried about you.’ That’s the kind of team I have and the kind of players they are.”

Davis played at the level Arkansas fans expected when he transferred from FAU. He scored 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three, while adding five rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

Looking Ahead

The Razorbacks will head to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns on Feb. 5, with tipoff set for 8 p.m. on ESPN2.