Arkansas Stumbles vs. Kentucky, Calipari Seeks More from Key Players as SEC Race Tightens
FAYETTEVILLE - John Calipari had already planned to give his Arkansas Razorbacks two days off after Saturday’s matchup with Kentucky, regardless of the outcome. But after an 85-77 home loss to the Wildcats - a game Kentucky controlled for nearly 34 of the 40 minutes - that break may serve more as a reset than a reward.
The loss halted Arkansas’ momentum at three straight SEC wins and sent them tumbling six spots to No. 21 in the latest AP Top 25. Sitting at 16-6 overall and 6-3 in the SEC, the Razorbacks now find themselves in a logjam for third place alongside Kentucky and Vanderbilt, all chasing Texas A&M (7-1) and Florida (7-2) at the top of the standings.
The SEC schedule doesn’t get any easier. Arkansas will face both the Aggies and the Gators in back-to-back games later this month (Feb. 25 and Feb. 28), but first comes a week-long break before heading to Starkville for an early tip against Mississippi State.
Saturday’s loss revealed some cracks in the rotation - and Calipari didn’t shy away from addressing them.
Knox’s Quiet Night Raises Questions
Karter Knox, who had recently rejoined the starting lineup after a hip injury on Jan. 10, was a non-factor against Kentucky. In 16 minutes, the sophomore didn’t score, attempted just one shot (a missed three-pointer), and grabbed a single rebound. He also picked up two fouls and spent long stretches on the bench - including nearly six straight minutes in the first half and over seven minutes in the second.
After the game, Calipari made it clear: Arkansas needs more from Knox if they’re going to contend in this league.
“I told him, ‘We’re not winning without you playing,’” Calipari said. “Billy (Richmond III) is playing with so much emotion and passion, he deserves to be on the floor, which may mean I’ve got to play both of them. Because Karter is a terrific player.”
There’s no question Knox can be a difference-maker. He was huge in Arkansas’ December win over then-No.
13 Texas Tech and again in January against No. 15 Vanderbilt - combining for 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting with 10 rebounds and five made threes.
On the season, he’s hitting 38.8% from beyond the arc. But that version of Knox didn’t show up Saturday.
Richmond Steps Up
While Knox struggled, fellow sophomore Billy Richmond III made the most of his opportunity. The 6-6 wing scored a personal SEC-best 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting in 28 minutes. He added five rebounds and wasted no time making an impact - grabbing an offensive board just seconds after checking in and turning it into a three-point play.
Richmond’s energy and production are making it hard for Calipari to keep him off the floor, especially when others aren't delivering.
Pringle’s Production Dips Again
Another player Arkansas needs more from is senior forward Nick Pringle. The 6-10 South Carolina transfer went scoreless for the third time this season, failing to attempt a shot or grab a rebound in 13 minutes. He also committed three fouls - a stat line eerily similar to his performance against Tennessee earlier this season.
“It wasn’t one of his better games, but I love the kid,” Calipari said. “He’s got to give us more.”
Calipari noted that Malique Ewin’s improved play - especially on the glass - earned him some of Pringle’s minutes. But the message was clear: Arkansas needs Pringle to be more assertive if he wants to stay in the rotation.
Acuff Shines Late, But Starts Slow
Freshman guard Darius Acuff continues to be one of the most exciting young players in the SEC, and he showed flashes of that again on Saturday. After a quiet first half - just 5 points on 2-of-10 shooting - Acuff found his rhythm in the second, scoring 17 points while playing all 20 minutes of the half.
He finished with 22 points on 8-of-20 shooting and went 5-of-8 from the free-throw line. But it wasn’t his most efficient outing, and Calipari acknowledged that something seemed a little off.
“He missed a lot of open shots, which is unusual for him,” Calipari said. “And then he missed free throws.
What? I don’t know.
He’s had such a fabulous season - maybe it’s piling up? I don’t think so, because he’s not that kind of kid.”
Even on an off night, Acuff still found a way to contribute. But for Arkansas to stay in the SEC title hunt, they’ll need their freshman phenom firing on all cylinders from the opening tip.
Wagner’s Limited Minutes
D.J. Wagner, who has seen his role fluctuate in recent weeks, played just 15 minutes against his former school. He scored four points on four shots and was on the court for only two minutes in the second half.
“I didn’t play D.J. as much as I would have liked,” Calipari said. “Probably should have gotten Darius out of there a little bit more than I did. But, at the end, I was just trying to keep the game close.”
Looking Ahead
With nine games left in SEC play, Arkansas is still very much in the mix. But Saturday’s loss to Kentucky was a reminder that talent alone won’t carry them through this gauntlet. The Razorbacks have the pieces - Acuff’s star power, Knox’s shooting, Richmond’s energy - but they’ll need consistency, especially from their veterans, to keep pace in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.
The week off offers a chance to regroup. Mississippi State awaits on Saturday. Then comes the stretch run - and if Arkansas wants to be playing for a title come March, it starts with getting more from the guys Calipari is counting on most.