Arkansas coach John Calipari made his highly anticipated return to Rupp Arena on Saturday and helped his team deliver an 89-79 upset win over his former Kentucky team. After coaching the last 15 years at Kentucky, Calipari returned for the first time on the other sideline and received a wave of boos when he entered the court and during pre-game introductions.
On the court, his Razorbacks’ squad delivered an inspired performance with a roster full of players that used to wear the Kentucky blue. Among those players who followed Calipari was forward Adou Thiero, who finished with 21 points and eight rebounds. Guard D.J. Wagner — another former Kentucky player who followed Calipari from Kentucky to Fayetteville — finished with 17 points and eight assists.
Arkansas entered the weekend as one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the SEC. The Razorbacks ranked 13th in 3-point baskets made and knocked down 13 against Kentucky on 25 attempts. Arkansas’ previous high for 3-pointers in a game (15) came against Maryland Eastern Shore earlier this season.
Kentucky was without star guard Lamont Butler due to a shoulder injury for the second consecutive game. Amari Williams scored a team-high 22 points, and Jaxson Robinson added 20.
Arkansas (13-8, 2-6 SEC) fresh off its second SEC win will face Texas on the rad Wednesday. Kentucky (15-6, 4-4) has dropped three of its last four games in SEC play and will play Ole Miss on Tuesday.
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