Calipari booed early, however Arkansas gets last word

John Calipari got a mixed reception at Rupp Arena on Saturday night then enjoyed his Arkansas group upset No. 12 Kentucky 89-79.

3 former Wildcats– Adou Thiero (21 points), D.J. Wagner (17) and Zvonimir Ivisic (14)– had huge performances as the Razorbacks (13-8, 2-6 SEC) got a win in Calipari’s very first game back considering that leaving the Wildcats after last season.

“We had fun with more self-confidence since we played fearless,” Calipari told ESPN after the game. “And I was training them that way.Editor’s Picks

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    “Therefore happy with them. Excellent win on the roadway. Difficult game to win in this structure. I have actually been here. So it’s a difficult game to win.”

    Calipari worked as coach of the Wildcats for 15 seasons and put together a 410-123 mark. He led Kentucky to its eighth championship game in 2012 before resigning in April for the Arkansas job.There were

    definitely more boos at a packed Rupp Arena amongst some applause and cheers in Calipari’s return.

    “I have actually got to be truthful with you: I looked up a couple of times [at the scoreboard], and I believed we were losing due to the fact that I kept looking at Kentucky instead of Arkansas,” Calipari said. “I made it clear it was an advantage and an honor to coach here. We had 15 unbelievable years of a fantastic run and support.”

    Calipari stated he spoke to Thiero, Wagner and Ivisic before the game about returning to Rupp Arena.

    “I called them in together, and I said, ‘Are you guys OK returning here? Are you going to be okay?'” Calipari said. “And they all said, ‘We’re great, Coach. We’re worried about you.’ That’s the kind of team I have; that’s the type of players they are. They were fretted about me.”

    Amari Williams had a season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds for Kentucky (15-6, 4-4), and Jaxson Robinson scored 20 as the Wildcats lost their second straight home game.Wildcats coach

    Mark Pope stated he didn’t think his group was distracted by all the attention paid to Calipari’s return leading into the contest.

    “I think this is every game, right?” Pope said. “That’s the appeal of Kentucky, right? It’s every night is the greatest game ever. If we go on the roadway, it’s the most significant game ever. And we’re actually blessed to have the greatest fan base on the planet. Therefore, every night here is the greatest game ever.

    “So I think our guys are quite used to that.”

    Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.

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