After a big win over the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, the Kentucky Wildcats will turn their attention to one of the most anticipated college basketball games in recent memory. On Saturday. John Calipari will make his return to Rupp Arena for the first time as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

While there is currently a debate between booing and cheering, one thing is for sure: This will go down as one of the most emotional games in the history of Kentucky basketball.

If you are one to take into account the motivation factor, this game will arguably mean more to Calipari than anyone else on the court.

While Kentucky has been enjoying success since the separation, the opposite is true for Calipari and Arkansas. The Razorbacks are 1-6 in SEC play and 2-8 in Quad I and II games. They’re currently projected to miss the NCAA Tournament, so they’ll have to win a game like this to get back in the hunt for a March Madness berth.

On top of that, they recently lost star freshman Boogie Fland for the season. The former Kentucky commit led the Hogs in scoring (15.1 points per game) and assists (5.7 per game).

Making matters worse is Johnell Davis, the former FAU guard who helped the Owls reach the Final Four in 2023, has been hobbled by injury this season and has struggled to find any rhythm in Fayetteville.

It’s worth pointing out that Arkansas did recently score their first SEC victory, a 68-65 home win over a Georgia Bulldogs team that took down Kentucky in Athens.

This game has a different meaning for each team. For Kentucky, this is a moral win for the fanbase. For the Razorbacks, they’re fighting for a resume-building win to aid their NCAA Tournament chances.

Let’s dive into the matchup.

Let it Rain

Coming out Against Tennessee, a defense that allows a lot of three-point attempts, Kentucky made it their priority to shoot (and make) the three, and they did so successfully. From the tip, they shot four straight (making three) three-pointers and shot 14 of their first 20 shots from deep.

That game plan should carry over to Arkansas, which also leaves the three open. (i.e. Jack Gohlke)

Kentucky has a strong three-player attack from deep tight now in Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea, and Ansley Almonor. Those three made 11 of Kentucky’s 12 three-pointers against Tennessee on 57% shooting.

Attack the Glass and 50/50 Balls

Arkansas is not a strong rebounding team. Ranked 11 in the SEC of 16 teams, the Razorbacks have been outrebounded in five of their seven SEC games. That said, rebounding has been a struggle at times this season for Kentucky, especially so with Andrew Carr out.

Kentucky has to be the aggressor on the boards and limit the costly offensive rebounds they have given up of late.

It’s not just been the rebounding, though, as they have lost many 50/50 balls at critical points. While fatigue and lack of depth have certainly affected that, they have to want it more.

Maintain Defensive Intensity

One of the most impressive parts of Kentucky’s win over Tennessee on Tuesday was their defensive intensity.

While they still didn’t force a lot of turnovers, they had great on-ball pressure, especially to start, and that set the tone from the start of the game. While the Volunteers had a couple of runs, they had to work hard for their shots and defaulted to shooting threes. I’m playing into Kentucky’s game plan.

The Wildcats need to come out with that same intensity against Arkansas, who is one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the SEC at just 32.5 percent. Take away driving lanes and encourage them to shoot threes.

Opposing Players to Watch

F Adou Thiero 6-8, 220 lbs

• 16.1 PPG (10th in SEC)
• 6.2 RPG
• 57.2% FG (2nd in SEC)

G DJ Wagner 6-4, 195 lbs

• 10.2 PPG
• 2.8 APG
• 32.9% 3P

G Johnell Davis 6-4, 210 lbs

• 8.9 PPG
• 3.6 RPG
• 37.9% FG

Kentucky Basketball vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

Time: 9:00 PM ET on February 1st, 2025
Location: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky
TV Channel: ESPN
Online Stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens will have the call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
Rosters: UK | ARK
Stats to Know: UK | ARK
KenPom: UK | ARK
Team Sheet: UK | ARK

Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has Kentucky favored by 11.5 points with an over/under of 158.5 points. That spread is a bit surprising with Kentucky potentially not having Lamont Butler and/or Andrew Carr, but the Hogs have struggled this season. EvanMiya gives Kentucky an 86.3% of winning, while ESPN is at 81.8%. BartTorvik and KenPom say 86% and 84%, respectively. However, these percentages are likely factoring in Lamont Butler and Andrew Carr, but there’s a real chance neither suits up on Saturday due to injury. In that case, the percentages would likely drop to somewhere in the 65-75% range.

Predictions: The analytics all expect Kentucky to win by double digits. EvanMiya (83-71) and BartTorvik (86-74) have the Cats winning by 12 points. KenPom has them winning by 11 points (84-73) and Haslametrics by 10 (84-74). Personally, I think Kentucky will be bothered some by Arkansas’ athleticism but they eventually pull away and win 83-74.

Send us your Kentucky vs. Arkansas score predictions in the comments section!

And Go CATS!

Better than anyone, Rick Pitino knows what it feels like to return to Rupp Arena as the opposing coach.

One of his fiercest coaching rivals will be doing the same thing this Saturday, John Calipari. Despite not being “best friends”, he respects Calipari and has posted a message for Big Blue Nation asking them to show “great class” in his return.

“The toughest day of my coaching career at Lousiville was when I had to walk into Rupp Arena,” Pitino said. “I tried not to show it, but when I went home, the reception tore me up apart because I love that place so much.”

Pitino talked about a similar situation with fellow Big East coach Ed Cooley, who left Providence for Georgetown. Cooley opened up to him about nearly being brought to tears and the “bad feelings” he received upon his return to play at Providence.

Citing his experience and Cooley’s experience, he wants Big Blue Nation to greet John Calipari positively.

“I’m not best friends with John Calipari. I respect him certainly,” Pitino said. “It was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John read the tea leaves, he needed a change. But what did he do for you?”

“He brought the best talent in the history of the game, of any university in America to Lexington. He also won a national championship. His style of play was extremely entertaining.”

Pitino suggests that the packed arena give Calipari a much warmer reception than he received, with a standing ovation.

“He’s coming back on Saturday and I want all of you to show the great class that you have,” Pitino said. “23,000-plus people giving him a huge ovation. Show him what respect and admiration is all about.”

“I know you have the class and I have always believed in you. Do it once again.”

The full message is below.

John Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena is arguably the biggest story in college basketball this weekend, but he’s not looking forward to it.

At a place where he hoisted a national championship trophy, delivered annual addresses to the Big Blue Nation, and won dozens of big-time games, the former Hall of Fame coach might be booed, something he assumes is going to happen.

“We’re going to have three players that played there. My guess is they’re going to get booed. My guess is I’m gonna get booed. But that’s all part of it. You get booed,” he said during his weekly coaches show.

Being around Big Blue Nation for the past 15 seasons, he understands the fanbase he is walking into, and if he is booed, it doesn’t seem like something he is going to take personally.

“I’ve done this so long, I tell you, I got bazooka-holes in my body, so when you shoot arrows, it doesn’t even hit skin,” he said. “It just goes through one of those bazooka holes.”

While this isn’t the first time Calipari has left for another school, this is the first time he is returning to their home court and he isn’t sure how he is going to react.

“I can’t say I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to coaching, but to walk in and the vibe — I don’t know how I’m going to take it, to be honest with you. That was a special time in my life and Ellen’s life. Fifteen years we gave, 15.”