“We Run Kentucky” Claims Arkansas Star as John Calipari Schools Mark Pope in Redemption Game
Rivalries are constructed on nights like this. And Arkansas players made sure Kentucky fans knew precisely how they felt following the 89-79 victory in Rupp Arena on Saturday night.
As they headed back to the locker room, Razorbacks guard Johnell Davis delivered a stark message: “We know who the real Kentucky is. Get the f*** outta here.” Not to be outdone, Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivisic, who goes by “Big Z,” tossed in his own declaration: “We run Kentucky for now.”
The bold words came after a dominating performance against Kentucky for the first time since leaving Lexington when new Arkansas head coach John Calipari faced his former team. Calipari, who had so much success building a legacy at Kentucky, seemed to have a little extra motivation, out coaching Mark Pope in a game that felt like a redemption arc for the veteran coach.
Meanwhile, Davis’ no-holds-barred comment underscores the swagger this Arkansas team is playing with under Calipari’s leadership. With tensions high and stakes even higher, this game has all the makings of a rivalry renewed.
Kentucky, without point guard Lamont Butler for the second straight game due to undisclosed injuries, sputtered into a lack of rhythm offensively. The Wildcats couldn’t recover from their 14 turnovers that led to 12 Arkansas points, despite season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds by Amari Williams.
via Imago
Despite the season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds from Amari Williams, Kentucky’s offense was not able to muster critical shots. The Wildcats shot only 42% from the field and 3-for-13 from three in the second half, a far cry from Arkansas’s 52% from deep. Kentucky didn’t match the level of intensity on the boards for Arkansas, losing the rebounding battle 38-29, and had defensive lapses in critical situations that haunted them.
Arkansas’ statement win – a redemption arc for Calipari
The Razorbacks looked dominant from the opening tip. Shooting 52% from the field, Arkansas found ways to score against a Kentucky defense known for its toughness. Johnell Davis, the touted transfer from Florida Atlantic, led the charge with 18 points, 12 of those coming in the first half. He sliced through defenses and finished tough plays in a big way for Arkansas on offense.
But it wasn’t just about scoring. Arkansas outrebounded Kentucky 38-29, with Big Z (Zvonimir Ivisic) dominating the paint. His 14 points and relentless energy on the boards denied Kentucky second-chance opportunities and fueled Arkansas’ transition game. Defensively, the Razorbacks were just as impressive, holding Kentucky to 42% shooting and forcing 14 turnovers. Davis, a true two-way player, bothered the backcourt for Kentucky, and the team as a whole gave Kentucky’s big men fits inside.
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