Saturday’s matchup in Fayetteville was expected to be intense, and it delivered. With lingering tension from last season’s heated matchup between John Calipari and Kentucky, emotions were high before the
ball ever tipped.
Last year’s meeting in Lexington marked Calipari’s return after leaving for Arkansas, and although no technicals were called in that game, the atmosphere was crazy as the Razorbacks stunned Kentucky 89–79. Many of the same players returned for round two, such as Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison, DJ Wagner, Billy Richmond, and Karter Knox, all setting the stage for another emotional showdown.
This time, the intensity caused plenty of whistles. Kentucky racked up four technical fouls, including three in just 38 seconds, during an 85–77 victory that tested their composure. The first came in the opening half on Oweh after a scuffle led to double-technicals, but the second-half chaos nearly destroyed Kentucky.
Holding a five-point lead with 15 minutes left, Brandon Garrison was hit for taunting after standing over Darius Acuff. Less than 30 seconds later, Mo Dioubate drew one for yelling at the Arkansas crowd after blocking a shot. Finally, Mark Pope picked one up 16 seconds later while arguing with officials. Arkansas used the moment to launch an 11–2 run and briefly take control.
“I would like to clean up all three of those technicals,” Pope said after the game. “I’d like to clean them up. I’d like to have just a tiny bit more discipline, but what I love about that stretch is the guys’ fight and determination.
“Even with the three techs happening back to back to back, I felt like it was coming from exactly the right place in our team, that we are searching for that core of like, fight, and undaunted competitive spirit, and it just overflowed a tiny bit, but we felt right. We felt right.
“The techs were after really extraordinarily competitive plays. And so we definitely have to be a little more disciplined, but actually, the gym felt good at that point. It felt like, man, these guys are here to fight. So yes, we can clean up a little bit, but I wouldn’t trade the heart of it for anything. We’ve just got to be just a tiny bit more disciplined.”
Kentucky did the unthinkable on Saturday by being able to upset Arkansas, as they look to win more games, but will have to be more composed in other big games this year.
