Cal and Hogs Beat CATS in Rupp
LEXINGTON – February 1, 2025 – Michael Willis
Disappointed. Frustrated. Embarrassed. Those were the feelings of the fans at Rupp Arena after the 89-79 loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Fans packed the arena an hour before the game and were ready to cheer their team to victory over John Calipari, the former Kentucky head coach. All the drama and emotions of Calipari’s first return to Rupp Arena to face the team he spent the last 15 years coaching, made the loss even tougher for the fans and players
It was evident from the beginning of the game that Razorback team was wanting to get the victory for their coach more than Kentucky’s players wanted the win. Arkansas, who averaged 7 three pointers a game coming into the contest, made 9 of their 18 three-point attempts in the first half. Arkansas forced 8 Kentucky turnovers in the first half while committing only 4 turnovers themselves.
Despite the turnovers and poor defense, the Cats were only down 46-45 at the end of the first half thanks to the play by Amari Williams and Jaxson Robinson who combined for 23 of Kentucky’s 45 points. The Cats also made 7 of 10 three-point attempts that allowed them to compete throughout the first half.
The game turned in the second half. Arkansas started with a 12-2 scoring run and Kentucky never recovered. The Wildcats pulled within 6 with 6:58 left in the half that gave fans hope of a comeback, but the fans were soon deflated after an 11-3 run sealed the victory for the Razorbacks.
Amari Williams was Kentucky’s player of the game scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Jaxson Robinson ended the night with 20 points. Koby Brea disappeared tonight scoring only 5 points and didn’t have a field goal after 10:53 left in the first half. It was the same for Otega Oweh who ended the game with 10 points with only 4 second half points.
Give John Calipari credit for making adjustments in the second half that gave his team victory. Knowing that Arkansas was most likely not going to continue shooting from behind the arc as well as they had been, he insisted on having his players drive the ball. Kentucky could not keep DJ Wagner out of the paint. Wagner scored all 17 of his points in the second half. Adou Theiro led the Razorbacks with 21 points.
Kentucky’s next game will be another top 25 match-up for the Cats when they go on the road to face the 23rd ranked Ole Miss. On Tuesday night with a 7pm tip.