Kentucky Defeats No. 15 Arkansas 85-77 in Testy Matchup

Otega Oweh's 24 points lead the Wildcats to victory over the Razorbacks in a game with six technical fouls.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:23pm

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Otega Oweh scored 24 points to lead four Kentucky players in double figures as the Wildcats defeated No. 15 Arkansas 85-77 in a game that featured six technical fouls. Kentucky closed the game on a 26-18 run after the score was tied at 63 with 8:07 remaining. Darius Acuff Jr. led Arkansas with 22 points, but the Razorbacks shot just 3-of-14 from 3-point range and 16-of-26 from the free-throw line.

Why it matters

The win for Kentucky is a significant one, as it came on the road against a ranked opponent. The Wildcats have now won six of their last nine SEC games, keeping them in the hunt for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. For Arkansas, the loss at home was their first of the season and marked the first time coach John Calipari has defeated his former team since leaving Kentucky in 2024.

The details

Kentucky raced out to a 14-5 lead four minutes into the game and led by as many as 13 points before Arkansas mounted a comeback. The Razorbacks took their first lead of the game at 52-51 following a technical foul on Kentucky, but the Wildcats closed the game strong, making 5-of-6 free throws after another technical on Arkansas' Malique Ewin. Oweh scored 11 of his 24 points in the final 10 minutes to seal the win for Kentucky.

  • Kentucky raced out to a 14-5 lead four minutes into the game.
  • The score was tied at 63 with 8:07 remaining in the game.

The players

Otega Oweh

A Kentucky player who led the team with 24 points.

Darius Acuff Jr.

An Arkansas player who led the Razorbacks with 22 points.

John Calipari

The head coach of Kentucky, who was facing his former team for the first time since leaving in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.