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Calipari guides Razorbacks to shocking demolition of Kentucky

Hogs’ head coach may have been the only one that had an idea what was possible in getting much-needed win

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — Arkansas’ 89-79 dismantling of No. 12 Kentucky was something there weren’t very many people saw coming Saturday night. Except perhaps John Calipari.

He received a mixed chorus of cheers and boos when he walked on the floor at Rupp Arena for the first time since getting hired in Fayetteville in April of last year. Then he proceeded to guid the Razorbacks to looking like some of his old championship teams for the Big Blue.

Three former Wildcats — Adou Thiero (21 points), D.J. Wagner (17) and Zvonimir Ivisic (14 points) — had big nights against their former team as the Razorbacks (13-8, 2-6 SEC) got a win in Calipari’s first game back since leaving the Wildcats after last season.

“We played with more confidence because we played fearless,” Calipari told ESPN after the game. “And I was coaching them that way.

“And so proud of them. Good win on the road. Hard game to win in this building. I’ve been here. So it’s a hard game to win.”

Calipari served as coach of the Wildcats for 15 seasons and compiled a 410-123 mark. He led Kentucky to its eighth national championship in 2012 before resigning last April for the Arkansas job.

There were definitely more boos at a jam-packed Rupp, but some applause and cheers as well in Calipari’s return.

“I’ve got to be honest with you, I looked up a couple of times and I thought we were losing because I kept looking at Kentucky instead of Arkansas,” Calipari said. “I made it clear it was a privilege and an honor to coach here. We had 15 unbelievable years of a great run and support.”

Amari Williams had a season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds for Kentucky (15-6, 4-4). Jaxson Robinson also scored 20 as the Wildcats lost their second straight home game.

Information from wire service reports and ESPN is included in this story.

2024 Razorbacks Football

Fri, Dec 27Liberty Bowl
vs Texas Tech (Memphis)
W, 39-26
Thu, Aug 29vs UAPB (Little Rock)W, 70-0
Sat, Sep 7@ Oklahoma StateL, 31-39 2OT
Sat, Sep 14vs UABW, 37-27
Sat, Sep 21@ AuburnW, 24-14
Sat, Sep 28vs Texas A&M (Arl)L, 21-17
Sat, Oct 5vs TennesseeW, 19-14
Sat, Oct 19vs LSUL, 34-10
Sat, Oct 26@ Mississippi StateW, 58-25
Sat, Nov 2vs Ole MissL, 63-31
Sat, Nov 16vs TexasL, 20-10
Sat, Nov 23vs Louisiana TechW, 35-14
Sat, Nov 30@ MissouriL, 28-21

2024 High School Rankings

OVERALLRecordPts
1.Bryant (21)13-02461
2.Greenwood (4)13-02242
3.Bentonville9-41855
4.Little Rock Parkview13-11734
5.Conway10-21563
6.Pulaski Academy10-31128
7.Shiloh Christian9-477
6.Benton10-2676
7.Fayetteville9-3527
9.Rogers8-4359
Others receiving votes: Arkadelphia 20, Farmington 15, Valley View 5, Hot Springs Lakeside, Mountain Home 2, Salem 2, Conway Christian 1, Little Rock Christian 1.
CLASS 7A
1.Bryant (25)13-01251
2.Bentonville9-4983
3.Conway10-2772
4.Pulaski Academy10-3485
5.Fayetteville9-3174
Others receiving votes: Rogers 10.
CLASS 6A
1.Greenwood (25)13-01251
2.Shiloh Christian9-4964
3.Benton10-2772
4.Mountain Home10-3513
5.Lake Hamilton8-420
Others receiving votes: Little Rock Catholic 6.
CLASS 5A
1.Little Rock Parkview (25)13-11251
4.Farmington12-2904
3.Valley View12-1683
5.Hot Springs Lakeside10-3605
2.Joe T. Robinson10-2252
Others receiving votes: Morrilton 3.
CLASS 4A
1.Arkadelphia (25)13-21252
2.Elkins14-1991
3.Little Rock Mills12-1523
4.Southside Batesville13-1465t
5.Warren10-3284
Others receiving votes: Malvern 3.
CLASS 3A
1.Salem (25)11-4125
2.Bismarck14-11001
3.Mansfield11-365
4.Fordyce11-1422
5.Osceola10-2214
Others receiving votes: Booneville 17, Prescott 3, Rivercrest 2.
CLASS 2A
1.Conway Christian (25)14-01252
2.East Poinsett Co.10-4984
3.Junction City9-468
5.Mount Ida9-341
4.Carlisle11-1251
Others receiving votes: Des Arc 8, Bigelow 6, Murfreesboro 3, Cross County 1.
8-MAN SANCTIONED
1.Strong-Huttig (25)8-0751
2.Midland11-1502
3.Cedar Ridge9-2223
Others receiving votes: Woodlawn 3.