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Arkansas upsets No. 12 Kentucky in Rupp Arena, fans and media are ecstatic

Arkansas was too much for Kentucky to handle, which generated many positive reactions for the Razorbacks.
ByDr. Antonio Daniels|
Feb 1, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Going into the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks 13-8 (2-6 SEC) and the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats 15-6 (4-4 SEC), an important warning was issued: "One would not be wise to think that Arkansas's current record means that Kentucky will dominate the Hogs. Arkansas has a talented team that should not be taken for granted." Given many, including many in Razorback Nation, had already concluded that the Wildcats would defeat the Hogs, those words were not heeded.

However, from the start of the game, college basketball fans knew they were witnessing an Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team that came with an authentic intention to upset the Kentucky Wildcats in historic Rupp Arena. While the Razorbacks have shown limited competitive fire this season, they demonstrated it throughout the whole game against the Wildcats. Razorback Nation can only hope this same competitive fire is here to stay as the Hogs will continue to face a brutal SEC schedule.

In the first half, Arkansas took all of Kentucky's best shots. At one point it seemed that Kentucky would not miss a three-point shot. A welcome surprise, though, was Arkansas essentially matching Kentucky's three-point shooting in the first half. The Hogs shot the ball well, which is not something that has not been able to be said much this season. The Hogs' aggressively defense and strong shooting led to them taking a one-point lead into halftime, 46-45.

The Razorbacks owned the second half. According to ESPN, Arkansas outscored Kentucky 43-34 in the second half. Such a compelling performance in the second half led to the Hogs defeating the Wildcats. After Arkansas upset No. 12 Kentucky in Rupp Arena, fans and media communicated all positive vibes.

Social Media Reactions: Arkansas basketball vs. Kentucky

Josh Teeter, an Arkansas fan with a large social media following, was thrilled with the win, especially considering how disrespectful many Kentucky fans have been toward the Razorbacks.

Richard Davenport, an Arkansas sports recruiting journalist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, expressed how happy he is for John Calipari earning this win, especially considering its significance.

Curtis Wilkerson, Managing Editor at Inside Arkansas, found this moment "Surreal."

Brandon Baker, a basketball journalist at Best of Arkansas Sports, could not stop laughing at Kentucky fans as their team suffered a defeat most of them did not expect.

Jacob Davis, an Arkansas beat writer for Sports Illustrated, emphasized that John Calipari is an amazing coach.

Anthony Mullins, a lifelong Kentucky fan, did not believe that Arkansas could continue to shoot the ball well throughout the game. However, he we was proven wrong.

Bigger Hog Fan took issue with Kentucky fans who booed John Calipari.

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