Takeaways: Kentucky takes down Arkansas 63-57 on the road

What can we take away from Kentucky's win over the Arkansas Razorbacks?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Jan 27, 2024 8:50 PM EST

In this story:

It wasn't pretty, but the Kentucky Wildcats were able to go on the road and beat the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville 63-57.

Kentucky started the game slow but was able to get the offense going to get the six-point win.

The Wildcats have struggled on the road so far in SEC play, so it was good to see this team find a way to win in a ball game where they didn't shoot the ball great.

What can we take away from Kentucky's 63-57 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks?

Kentucky's defense was much better

Jan 27, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari talks to his team during a timeout in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY — © Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

To start the game, Kentucky's offense was almost non-existent, and believe it or not, the defense kept the Wildcats in this game. Kentucky blocked six shots and stole the ball eight times. They also held Arkansas to 33% from the field and 21.1% from three. To be fair, Arkansas isn't the best offensive team, but Kentucky has given up more points to worse offense this season. Kentucky had a lot of great defensive possessions. Hopefully, this is a sign of what is to come.

Ugonna Onyenso gave great minutes

Jan 27, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Ugonna Onyenso (33) blocks a shot by Arkansas Razorbacks guard El Ellis (3) during the first half at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sport — © Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Ugonna Onyenso played incredibly well for Kentucky in this game, scoring six points on 3-4 from the field. He also grabbed four rebounds and blocked three shots. We didn't see much of Big Z in this game, and Aaron Bradshaw was in foul trouble, leading to more minutes for Onyenso, and he looked great. The more Onyenso settles in, the better this Kentucky team is.

Zvonimir Ivisic didn't play much

Jan 27, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Zvonimir Ivisic warms up prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports — © Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Zvonimir Ivisic only played three minutes in this game, grabbing two rebounds. He gave up an easy basket which frustrated Coach Calipari, but it still is a bit shocking that in his third game, Big Z only played three minutes. Onyenso did play great in this game, which could have something to do with the limited minutes. Coach Calipari did say Kentucky would ride the hot hand, and it could perhaps have to do with Ugo's play. It will be interesting to see how much Ivisic plays going forward.