Wildcat Blue Nation
Fansided

Honeymoon over as social media lights up embarrassed Kentucky basketball

A quick few at what people are saying as Kentucky loses another game they had no business losing
ByDrew Holbrook|
Feb 1, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) guards Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaxson Robinson (2) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) guards Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaxson Robinson (2) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

It was supposed to be the crowning moment for a program that had moved on from John Calipari. A moment to usher in new start by showing the old boss Kentucky had updated. Instead, it was a nightmare game nearly from the start. Kentucky could never find its rhythm and Arkansas definitely found there's in the second half. A quick look at key players as Arkansas wins 89-79.

Kentucky Wildcats:

  • Amari Williams: 22 PTS, 11 REB, 4-7 FT
  • Jaxson Robinson: 20 PTS, 4-6 3PT
  • Otega Oweh: 10 PTS, 5-13 FG
  • Ansley Almonor: 12 PTS, 3-5 3PT
  • Koby Brea: 5 PTS, 2-8 FG

Arkansas Razorbacks:

  • Adou Thiero: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 10-12 FT
  • Johnell Davis: 18 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB
  • Karter Knox: 10 PTS, 4 REB
  • D.J. Wagner: 17 PTS, 8 AST

The biggest stats were turnovers and free throws, as again Kentucky can't do the small things right. 14 turnover and 9 missed free throws meant the offense could never get going. Pope wants to shoot 30 three point shots a game, not going to happen with 14 turnovers.

Even worse Kentucky's defense looked as lost as it had all year. Arkansas makes 6 3 point shots a game, they had 9 in the first half, and 13 total. Time after time Theiro and Wagner would just straight line drive to the basket and there'd be no resistance at all. Arkansas controlled the second half, and put the Cats away early. Kentucky was down 14 at one point, and they cut it to 5 but never really put any pressure on the Razorbacks.

Sitting at just 4-4 in conference, something has to give. This was not the same team that went into Knoxville and won a massive road game. This is the team that got pounded by Ohio State. Which team shows up next time?

Here's a look at how BBN is handling it, spoiler alert, not well.

Home/Kentucky basketball