Kentucky Wildcats Snap Arkansas Razorbacks' 17-Game Home Winning Streak

Kentucky controlled the tempo and physicality from the start to defeat Arkansas at Bud Walton Arena.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:31pm

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The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 85-77, snapping Arkansas' 17-game home winning streak. Kentucky was the more physical team from the start, controlling the tempo and limiting Arkansas' transition opportunities. The Razorbacks struggled from the free throw line, making just 16-of-26 attempts, and were cold from three-point range, going 3-of-14.

Why it matters

This was a key SEC matchup between two ranked teams, with Kentucky looking to avenge last season's loss to Arkansas. The Wildcats' victory on the road against a tough Arkansas team will boost their NCAA Tournament resume, while the Razorbacks' first home loss of the season is a setback in their quest for a high seed.

The details

Kentucky came out aggressive, crashing the boards and forcing Arkansas out of its transition game. The Wildcats had a +9 rebounding advantage and made the Razorbacks work for every possession. Arkansas struggled at the free throw line, making just 16-of-26 attempts, and was cold from three-point range, going 3-of-14. Kentucky shot 49% from the field and made timely plays down the stretch to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on February 1, 2026 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The players

John Calipari

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team.

Darius Acuff Jr.

A guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Collin Chandler

A guard for the Kentucky Wildcats.

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What they’re saying

“You've got to give [Kentucky] credit. They made us play a certain way. We didn't have a whole lot of turnovers. We didn't but you got to make some shots. That's the crazy thing about this game, and we had been doing that, we didn't do it tonight.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks

“If you don't rebound, and they're making 60% of their shots and threes, then once they miss, rebound, it's hard to run. They're all made goals.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks

“We shot airballs from the free throw line, 'What?”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks

What’s next

The loss drops Arkansas to 18-5 overall and 7-3 in SEC play. They will look to bounce back on the road against Alabama on February 4. Kentucky improves to 17-6 overall and 8-2 in the SEC, putting them in good position for an NCAA Tournament bid.

The takeaway

Kentucky's physical, disciplined play on both ends of the floor was the difference in this game. The Wildcats' ability to control the tempo, crash the boards, and limit Arkansas' transition opportunities proved to be the keys to snapping the Razorbacks' long home winning streak.