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.
