FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As if they were contrived by screenwriters, Mark Pope and John Calipari finished with the same overall sophomore record of 38-19 at their respective schools on Saturday: the former for Kentucky, the latter for Arkansas.
If Saturday’s game is supposed to be a duel that pushes one coach one step ahead of the other, then onlookers will get everything they want.
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Despite beating three former starters, the Wildcats didn’t bring a knife to the shootout. For much of the game, they exerted themselves and inflicted their own damage. Eventually, they drew enough blood to take down the Razorbacks’ sharpshooters.
Kentucky jumped out to an early lead and went into halftime with a 42-35 advantage before going into the second half to win 85-77 at Bud Walton Arena.
Last season’s game in Lexington was one of the most exciting games on the college basketball calendar and brought Calipari to Rupp Arena for the first time in more than three decades as an opposing coach. (Calipari’s UMass team lost to Rick Pitino’s UK team 90-69 on Dec. 4, 1991.) The Razorbacks’ road win last season was unexpected. They’re just 1-6 in SEC play, and the Wildcats are ranked No. 12 in both the USA Today Coaches and AP Top 25 polls.
Kentucky’s result on Saturday was almost as surprising (15-7, 6-3 SEC). It went in as a clear loser. Just five days ago was a one-sided loss at Vanderbilt. But every time Arkansas (16-6, 6-3) attacked on Saturday, UK immediately hit back.
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Given Calipari’s past with the Wildcats, Saturday’s game will likely be more competitive than last season’s game. The game saw officials award multiple technical fouls to both clubs.
This story will be updated.
Contact Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on the X @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared in the Louisville Courier-Journal: Kentucky vs. Arkansas basketball game, Mark Pope beats John Calipari
