Kentucky Wildcats Defeat Arkansas Razorbacks 85-77
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 6:35 PM ET · Bud Walton Arena
Kentucky Wildcats 85, Arkansas Razorbacks 77, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Kentucky Wildcats vs Arkansas Razorbacks?
Kentucky Wildcats beat Arkansas Razorbacks 85-77 at Bud Walton Arena on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Kentucky Wildcats vs Arkansas Razorbacks?
Arkansas Razorbacks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -298 (about 75% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Bud Walton Arena, the Kentucky Wildcats emerged victorious against the Arkansas Razorbacks with a final score of 85-77. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the competitive nature of both teams, each vying for a strong position in the NCAAB standings. The Razorbacks, with a home record of 16-6, were looking to extend their recent success, having won three consecutive games prior to this encounter. Meanwhile, the Wildcats, holding an away record of 15-7, aimed to bounce back from a loss in their previous game against Vanderbilt.
In terms of recent form, Arkansas had been performing well, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games and averaging 88.6 points scored while allowing 81.7 points. Their last five games saw them average 89.0 points scored and 78.4 points allowed, indicating a potent offensive capability. Conversely, Kentucky also held a 7-3 record in their last ten games, but with a lower scoring average of 77.8 points and allowing 75.6 points. Their recent performance included a notable win against Ole Miss, but they faced a setback against Vanderbilt just prior to this game.
The Razorbacks had a solid home record of 5-1 in their last six games, while the Wildcats were 2-2 in their last four away games. This home advantage for Arkansas was expected to play a crucial role, but Kentucky's ability to perform under pressure was evident. The teams had met previously in the 2025 season, with Arkansas winning that encounter 89-79, giving them a 1-0 record against Kentucky in recent matchups.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but such factors often play a critical role in game outcomes. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Arkansas as the favorites with a spread of -6.5, indicating expectations for a close game. The total points line was set at 159.5, reflecting the anticipated high-scoring nature of the matchup.
The conditions for the game were conducive for a competitive atmosphere, with both teams eager to make a statement. Arkansas's recent scoring prowess was on display, but Kentucky's defense and strategic plays ultimately led them to triumph. Key moments in the second half included a driving layup by Darius Acuff Jr. and a series of free throws that helped secure the Wildcats' lead.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides. Kentucky's ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities, particularly in the closing moments, was pivotal. The Wildcats' final scoring plays, including free throws from Trevon Brazile and others, underscored their composure in critical situations.
In conclusion, the Kentucky Wildcats' victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks not only highlighted their resilience but also set the stage for future matchups in the NCAAB season. With both teams showcasing their strengths, this game will be remembered as a significant battle in their respective campaigns.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ARK -6.5 | 159.5 o -115 / u -105 | Kentucky Wildcats +240 · Arkansas Razorbacks -298 |
Leaders
- PointsDarius Acuff Jr.22Arkansas Razorbacks
- AssistsDarius Acuff Jr.3Arkansas Razorbacks
- ReboundsTrevon Brazile8Arkansas Razorbacks
- PointsOtega Oweh24Kentucky Wildcats
- AssistsOtega Oweh3Kentucky Wildcats
- ReboundsOtega Oweh8Kentucky Wildcats
Recent form
Arkansas Razorbacks
Last 10: 7-3Streak W388.6 scored · 81.7 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W83-79at Oklahoma SoonersJan 28
- W85-81vs LSU TigersJan 24
- W93-68vs Vanderbilt CommodoresJan 21
- L76-90at Georgia BulldogsJan 17
- W108-74vs South Carolina GamecocksJan 15
- L73-95at Auburn TigersJan 10
- W94-87at Ole Miss RebelsJan 8
- W86-75vs Tennessee VolunteersJan 3
- W103-74vs James Madison DukesDec 30
- L85-94vs Houston CougarsDec 20
Kentucky Wildcats
Last 10: 7-3Streak L177.8 scored · 75.6 allowed per game2-2 away
- L55-80at Vanderbilt CommodoresJan 28
- W72-63vs Ole Miss RebelsJan 24
- W85-80vs Texas LonghornsJan 22
- W80-78at Tennessee VolunteersJan 17
- W75-74at LSU TigersJan 15
- W92-68vs Mississippi State BulldogsJan 11
- L68-73vs Missouri TigersJan 8
- L74-89at Alabama Crimson TideJan 3
- W99-85vs Bellarmine KnightsDec 23
- W78-66vs St. John's Red StormDec 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Kentucky Wildcats | Arkansas Razorbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-56 | 29-59 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 6-13 | 3-14 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 21 |
| Free throws | 19-30 | 16-26 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 17 |
| Assists | 11 | 10 |
| Steals | 2 | 2 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 4 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 4 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 4 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 46 |
| Fouls | 22 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 85 | 10 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-52Billy Richmond III makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half53-52Otega Oweh makes layup (Brandon Garrison assists)
- 2nd Half53-55Darius Acuff Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-57Darius Acuff Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-57Collin Chandler makes 24-foot three point jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half56-58Meleek Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-59Meleek Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-59Malachi Moreno makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-59Otega Oweh makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half60-59Trent Noah makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-59Trent Noah makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-61Malique Ewin makes 2-foot dunk (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half63-61Otega Oweh makes layup
- 2nd Half63-63Billy Richmond III makes 9-foot jumper (Trevon Brazile assists)
- 2nd Half64-63Trent Noah makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-63Trent Noah makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-63Mouhamed Dioubate makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Malachi Moreno makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-63Malachi Moreno makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-63Malachi Moreno makes 3-foot dunk (Otega Oweh assists)
- 2nd Half70-65Meleek Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-67Trevon Brazile makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-67Malachi Moreno makes layup
- 2nd Half72-69Darius Acuff Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-69Trent Noah makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-69Otega Oweh makes layup (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half75-70Malique Ewin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-70Otega Oweh makes driving layup
- 2nd Half78-70Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-70Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-70Mouhamed Dioubate makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-72Meleek Thomas makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half80-74Darius Acuff Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half82-74Collin Chandler makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half82-75Trevon Brazile makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-76Trevon Brazile makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-76Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-76Mouhamed Dioubate makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-77Billy Richmond III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-77Trent Noah makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Arkansas Razorbacks, below favours Kentucky Wildcats.
Venue
- Bud Walton ArenaFayetteville, AR
- Attendance19200
- OfficialsDoug Shows, Byron Jarrett, Lucas Santos
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond