“Weird environment” in Rupp Arena seemed to give Hogs more energy in 89-79 surprising upset on road Saturday night.
Radio analyst Matt Zimmerman after big win over Kentucky
Razorbacks’ win over the Wildcats keeps nearly every preseason goal still within their reach this season heading to Texas.
Ruscin & Zach February 3
We give our thoughts on the big trade in the Association and Arkansas’ huge win over Kentucky and how BBN is just as psychologically insecure as all of us fans are.
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Are Razorbacks ‘finding’ themselves out of necessity these days?
FAYETTVILLE, Ark. — After Arkansas’ 89-79 win over Kentucky on Saturday night, a lot of fans were re-adjusting their projections for the rest of the season. Hold up a minute.
“This is one game,” Razorbacks coach John Calipari said after the win in Lexington, Ky. “If anybody takes it more than that, you’re crazy. It’s one game. If I take it any different with my team then I’m crazy.”
Considering starting point guard Boogie Fland has now been out a couple of games with hand surgery (and we have no idea exactly what that was), the offense finally looked like it expected to look all season. It’s been exactly the opposite, looking like a dysfunctional mess at times through a 2-6 start to SEC play.
On The Morning Rush on Monday morning, co-host Tommy Craft pointed out they’re playing better without Boogie. That much was plainly obvious Saturday night, but that’s not a knock on Fland. It actually could be viewed as a compliment.
With the untrained eye, the Hogs certainly LOOKED better against the Wildcats. Fland would make them look even better if they played loose and the way they did in that win.
It raised the question of if this team was relying on Boogie too much? Maybe without being aware of it, they were thinking Fland was good enough to bail them out of tight situations or maybe there was just a comfort level they lost focus and concentration.
While there have been zero reports of any internal problems with the team on or off the court, these guys may not have even been aware they were doing it. Now they have to figure out how to play without that comfort zone that Fland provided them.
Maybe the solution is put DJ Wagner at point guard and let Fland drive and sih the ball off if he’s covered or just shoot. His jump shot is missed and everybody else started making shots Saturday night. It could provide an awful lot of answers.
Even for Calipari, who has often appeared to be struggling for answers to the play. While he’s held onto his patience, you can tell it’s been a drain on him.
Now he’s getting to the home stretch of the regular season with 10 games left and they’ve probably got to win six or seven to be in the NCAA Tournament. They might be able to squeak in with five, but there’s not much confidence in that.
He’s proably not putting a lot of thought into it. He’s got a road trip to Texas and right now the Longhorns are a bigger priority.
Eastside Liquor Halftime Podcast: 2-3-25
Phil & Matt react to the win against Kentucky, Luka to LA, Myles Garrett and more!
Guests: Mike Irwin (Pig Trail Nation) & Matt Zimmerman
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 2-3-25
Someone’s coping with Pope, but here in Arkansas, Cal’s triumphant return to Rupp has us full of hope! 5 years of Tommy & Tye!
Calipari guides Razorbacks to shocking demolition of Kentucky
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.
Ruscin & Zach January 31
We have all the things you want to know about Cal’s return trip to Rupp Arena. Ruscin doesn’t think that place is that big of a deal. Then we talk about the hottest trend for Valentine’s day…pickles!
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With Kansas City and Philadelphia playing in the Super Bowl next week, but college basketball one big possibility this week.
