If you're confused, yes, the team in red on the floor in Lexington is your Arkansas Razorbacks. And yes, they really are playing lights out in John Calipari's first time returning to Kentucky. The Razorbacks lead 46-45 at halftime.
The Hogs and Cats traded blows for the first 20 minutes. Arkansas started with three consecutive three-pointers from Johnell Davis, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Adou Thiero. In fact, the entire team shot well, making nine threes. For reference, the Razorbacks averaged only 7.2 tres a game before tipoff today.
Davis looked like the product Hog fans thought they were getting from Florida Atlantic. He was 4-7 from the three-point line, with only one within 22 feet. He also had two rebounds and two assists in the first half. While he hasn't scored a point yet, DJ Wagner is dealing the rock, with six assists.
Unfortunately, Kentucky is playing as well as it has all season long on offense. The Wildcats were 7/10 from the three-point line, with former Hog Jaxson Robinson leading them with three. Arkansas has yet to find an answer for Amari Williams. The 6-foot-11-inch "point center" leads the team in assists (5) and is perfect from the field (5/5).
Only 20 minutes remain in this highly anticipated matchup. And as bad as the build-up has been for Arkansas, the game was everything hoped for and more.