In a game that was as much about nostalgia as it was about basketball, John Calipari, now at the helm of the Arkansas Razorbacks, returned to face his former team. The matchup was filled with emotion, history, and a surprising outcome that left Kentucky fans reeling but also saw several former Wildcat players to jump on X and celebrate Coach Cal's triumphant return to Lexington.
-TyTy Washington
— The Kentucky Network (@KentuckyNet) February 2, 2025
-Reed Sheppard
-Jacob Toppin
-Davion Mintz
-Ashton Hagans
Truly just disappointing, man
The game statistics tell a story of efficiency and execution on both sides, with Arkansas securing a commanding win at Rupp Arena. The Razorbacks shot an impressive 55.2% from the field, significantly outpacing Kentucky's 48.4%. From beyond the arc, Arkansas was hot, converting 52.0% of their three-point attempts compared to Kentucky's 43.5%. Free throws were another decisive factor, with Arkansas making 75.0% of their shots while Kentucky struggled at 50.0% missing 9.
On the boards, Kentucky managed to grab more rebounds overall, with a slight advantage in offensive rebounds, but Arkansas's defensive play was superior, leading to 14 Kentucky turnovers, a bugaboo that is showing up more and more as the year goes on. The Razorbacks also dominated in fast break points, amassing 18 to Kentucky's 5, showcasing a dynamic pace that Kentucky couldn't match. Which is very strange as it is usually the reverse.
Mark Pope is being torn apart on social media after his team basically no-showed the biggest game of the year in the eyes of many fans.
Where does this team go from here? They have mightily struggled and if Tennessee had shot just a small amount better, they would be sitting at 3-5 with 4 straight losses. As it sits, the Vols couldn't and Kentucky has losses in 3 of it's last 4. Big blue nation is able to withstand a certain amount of bad losses, and I think they are reaching that point this year.
It really hurt fans, and to see former players celebrating means to them that Kentucky didn't mean as much to them as what Cal did. And that is the national debate. Cal won the breakup, and Kentucky fans are struggling with that.
Here are the controversial tweets:
9-16. St Peters.
— Pope’s Crib (@ScoopLexington) February 2, 2025
Don’t claim to be a Wildcat ever again.
Don’t try and act like one of us again
— BigBluePunch (@BigBluePunch) February 2, 2025
Sportsmanship is one thing. Showing where your loyalty really lies at us another.
— 𝕏_NATE_USA_𝕏 🇺🇸 (@NATE__USA) February 2, 2025
Truss I am for life ! It’s a respect thing ! https://t.co/vL78y8icxq
— ashton hagans (@H23Ash) February 2, 2025
You and TyTy will never recover from this. Enjoy it. Maybe Arkansas will get your back.
— Derek White (@IAmJonDerek) February 2, 2025
Fuck @Jtoppin0
— Not Mark Pope (Chin) (@MZ6924) February 2, 2025
Fuck @deemintz1
Fuck @reed_sheppard
Fuck @tytywashington3
Every one of these dudes led one of the worst stretches Kentucky basketball has ever seen. Now wanna turn around and talk as if they did anything to earn that right. Y’all were losers then, and…
Here was Reed Sheppard talking about his Arkansas/Kentucky outfit.
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) February 2, 2025
“A lot of people aren’t happy but that’s my coach. I played for coach Cal.” pic.twitter.com/wWnaCyIUdq
Cal can’t stop ruining Kentucky basketball.
— Christian (@ChasteenC1) February 2, 2025
BBN is devouring itself, and once again John Calipari is the reason.