Kentucky Rallies Back to Upset No. 15 Arkansas

Wildcats overcome big deficit, technical fouls to defeat Razorbacks 85-77

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:31am

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The Kentucky Wildcats rallied late after blowing a 13-point lead to upset the No. 15 Arkansas Razorbacks 85-77 in a Southeastern Conference matchup. Otega Oweh scored 24 points and had 8 rebounds to lead Kentucky, which has won 6 of its last 7 games. The game featured 6 technical fouls, with 4 on Kentucky. Arkansas led by as much as 57-53 in the second half before Kentucky went on a 15-0 run to retake the lead for good.

Why it matters

This was an important conference win for Kentucky, which has bounced back from an 80-55 loss to Vanderbilt earlier in the week. The Wildcats avenged an earlier home loss to Arkansas and showed resilience in overcoming a big deficit and technical foul issues. The game also highlighted the competitiveness of SEC basketball this season.

The details

Kentucky raced out to a 26-13 lead early, making 11 of their first 13 shots. But Arkansas rallied in the second half, taking a 57-53 lead after a technical foul stretch on Kentucky. The Wildcats then went on a 15-0 run to retake control, with Otega Oweh and Collin Chandler leading the way. Kentucky held on down the stretch, never allowing Arkansas to get closer than 6 points.

  • Kentucky led 42-35 at halftime.
  • Arkansas took a 57-53 lead after a technical foul stretch on Kentucky.
  • Kentucky went on a 15-0 run to retake the lead for good with 8:02 left.

The players

Otega Oweh

Kentucky forward who scored 24 points and had 8 rebounds.

Darius Acuff Jr.

Arkansas guard who scored 17 of his 22 points in the second half.

Mark Pope

Kentucky head coach who received one of the team's four technical fouls.

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What they’re saying

“We must have kept our composure and executed down the stretch. I'm proud of how our guys responded after blowing the big lead.”

— Mark Pope, Kentucky Head Coach

What’s next

Kentucky will look to build on this momentum when they host Alabama on Wednesday. Arkansas will try to bounce back when they travel to take on Missouri next weekend.

The takeaway

This was a gutsy comeback win for Kentucky, showing their resilience in the face of a big deficit and technical foul issues. The game highlighted the competitiveness of SEC basketball this season, with both teams battling hard for a crucial conference victory.