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Kentucky, Arkansas to play just 1 matchup during 2024-25 basketball season
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Kentucky and Arkansas will have some extra juice when the two sides face off this basketball season. Unfortunately, fans will only get one game between the Wildcats and Razorbacks during the regular season.
College basketball insider Jon Rothstein initially reported on the news Monday afternoon, and the SEC confirmed it with the release of the men’s basketball opponents for the 2024-25 season. Arkansas and Kentucky will play one game this season, and it will be a home game for the Wildcats inside Rupp Arena.
? @SEC announces #SECMBB conference opponents for 2024-2025 season: https://t.co/pe3rxWrD3c
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) May 13, 2024
The date for the game is still TBD, but it is a showdown with game of the year potential. John Calipari is now in his first season leading Arkansas, and the trip to Lexington will be a homecoming of sorts for the head coach. Calipari will not be alone with former Wildcats Zvonimir Ivisic and Adou Thiero transferring to Arkansas.
As for the specifics of the matchup, FanDuel has opened a “Calipari Special” with Kentucky at -162 to win in Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena. Arkansas winning in Rupp Arena is set at +125, and fans can take advantage of the best odds via SDS’s sportsbook apps in KY.
Regardless of which team you’re backing in the game, the idea of the matchup is an enticing one for fans of college basketball. It will be must-see TV, and tickets for the game are bound to be a hot item when the date is finalized.
Here is a glimpse at how the college basketball world reacted to the news:
Hardest ticket in Rupp since Pitino first returned https://t.co/44Iq64tv28
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 13, 2024
https://t.co/nTXCVK3VsL pic.twitter.com/RJX1DYaQf1
— Blue Chips (@UKBlueChips) May 13, 2024
Going to be one crazy afternoon in Lexington. https://t.co/ObrHa0wsyz pic.twitter.com/k62M2S17SQ
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) May 13, 2024
https://t.co/PclNCgqCbb pic.twitter.com/68U28HPVIu
— Barstool Kentucky (@BarstoolUK) May 13, 2024
I’m sure the environment will be very calm. https://t.co/NmHWK2l1BW
— JC Hoops (@JacksonCollier) May 13, 2024
Not getting to see this matchup in BWA sucks.
But potentially walking out of Rupp with a win… https://t.co/iuIls9RVKY pic.twitter.com/mcyVbXiBHQ
— Brandon Baker (@BBakerHogs) May 13, 2024
I may have to take out a mortgage to afford these tickets https://t.co/KuD1iHp3Zp
— WT – Lamont Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) May 13, 2024
Only one meeting is a fairly stunning development. https://t.co/n4IDmSDRNf
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) May 13, 2024
At least the one game is at Rupp but shame on the SEC for not having them play twice https://t.co/wLsbQ62Ay4
— Jack Grossman (@JackGrossman97) May 13, 2024
Calipari will bring Arkansas to Rupp Arena next season but the Razorbacks will not get a Super Bowl/free t-shirt night at Bud Walton https://t.co/VIZr0KhJ96
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) May 13, 2024
Can we please have blue t-shirts that say “Everybody’s Super Bowl”? https://t.co/1Ljq5707vg
— Elijah Butler (@imElijahButler) May 13, 2024
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.