Otega Oweh Leads Kentucky to 85-77 Win Over No. 15 Arkansas Amid Six Technical Fouls

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Otega Oweh scored 24 points to lead four Kentucky players in double figures as the Wildcats defeated No. 15 Arkansas 85-77 on Saturday in a game marked by six technical fouls and intense second-half action.

Kentucky (15-7, 6-3 SEC) closed the game on a 26-18 run, with Oweh scoring 11 points in the final 10 minutes to secure the victory. Collin Chandler added 13 points, Malachi Moreno contributed 11, and Denzel Aberdeen scored 10. The Wildcats’ offensive balance proved decisive in overcoming a late Arkansas rally.

The game featured a series of technical fouls that shaped the flow. Arkansas’ Malique Ewin received a technical with 8:07 left when the score was tied 63-all. Kentucky converted five of six free throws during the sequence before Moreno’s dunk 43 seconds later gave the Wildcats a lead they would not relinquish. Earlier, Kentucky had been assessed four technical fouls, including three in just 38 seconds early in the second half.

Arkansas (16-6, 6-3 SEC) trailed by seven at halftime but briefly took its first lead of the game at 52-51 after Billy Richmond’s dunk following the final technical. Darius Acuff Jr. led the Razorbacks with 22 points, including 17 in the second half, but Arkansas struggled from distance, making just three of 14 three-point attempts and 16 of 26 free throws. Five Arkansas players scored in double figures, but the team could not overcome Kentucky’s late surge.

Kentucky set the tone early, making six of its first seven shots to build a 14-5 lead within four minutes. By the game’s second media timeout, the Wildcats were ahead by 13, forcing Arkansas into a slow, methodical comeback that ultimately fell short.

The win marked Kentucky coach John Calipari’s first victory against his former team since leaving Kentucky in April 2024. For Arkansas, the loss was the first at home this season, halting what had been an 11-game home winning streak.

Up next, Arkansas visits Mississippi State on Saturday, aiming to rebound from its first home defeat. Kentucky hosts Oklahoma on Wednesday, seeking to maintain momentum in the SEC and solidify positioning for March conference play.