Kentucky Upsets No. 15 Arkansas in Heated Rivalry Game

Wildcats hand Razorbacks first home loss of the season in physical matchup.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a heated rivalry game, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the No. 15 Arkansas Razorbacks 85-77 at Bud Walton Arena. The Wildcats came out firing, making 10 of their first 11 shots to build an early 26-13 lead. Kentucky's Otega Oweh led all scorers with 24 points. The Razorbacks slowly chipped away at the deficit, but the game featured intense physicality with the teams combining for six technical fouls. Arkansas took its first lead in the second half, but Kentucky regained control and never relinquished the lead.

Why it matters

This game was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the SEC. The heated rivalry between coaches John Calipari and Arkansas' staff added extra intensity to the proceedings. The loss was Arkansas' first at home this season, ending their perfect 12-0 record at Bud Walton Arena.

The details

Kentucky came out on fire, making 10 of their first 11 shots to build a 26-13 lead early. Otega Oweh led the Wildcats with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting. The Razorbacks slowly chipped away at the deficit, but the game featured intense physicality with the teams combining for six technical fouls. Arkansas took its first lead in the second half after three technical fouls were called on Kentucky in 22 seconds, including one on head coach Mark Pope. However, Kentucky regained control and never lost the lead, as the Razorbacks struggled at the free throw line, making just 16-of-26 attempts.

  • The Wildcats beat the No. 15 Razorbacks 85-77 on January 31, 2026.
  • Arkansas had been 12-0 at home before Saturday's loss.

The players

John Calipari

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, who was facing his former team.

Otega Oweh

The Kentucky player who led all scorers with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting.

Meleek Thomas

A freshman for the Arkansas Razorbacks who helped the team slowly chip away at Kentucky's early lead.

Darius Acuff Jr.

The Arkansas player who led the Razorbacks with 22 points.

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, who received a technical foul during the heated game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Bud is rocking.”

— Daniel Fair

“Hogs better come out PISSED in the second half. Make this personal.”

— Man

“The fastest man on Earth is Mark Pope into the middle of a scuffle.”

— Nick Roush

What’s next

The loss was Arkansas' first at home this season, ending their perfect 12-0 record at Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks will look to bounce back in their next SEC matchup.

The takeaway

This heated rivalry game between Kentucky and Arkansas featured intense physicality, with the teams combining for six technical fouls. The loss was a setback for the Razorbacks, who had been undefeated at home prior to this game, but it also highlighted the competitiveness of the SEC and the challenges facing both teams as they look to make a push for the conference title.