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John Calipari details change in Kentucky’s practice routine before win over Arkansas
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John Calipari changed up Kentucky’s practice routine ahead of its Saturday-night game vs. Arkansas.
Calipari told reporters after the game that he had the Wildcats scrimmage on Thursday and Friday — something UK usually doesn’t do during the season — in an effort to toughen up his team. Calipari was critical of how Kentucky handled South Carolina’s physicality in a loss to the Gamecocks on Tuesday.
The move worked, as Kentucky defeated Arkansas 63-57 in Fayetteville on Saturday. The Wildcats trailed for much of the game, but were the more physical team down the stretch and were able to pull away in the game’s final minutes.
Calipari explained his decision to have the Wildcats scrimmage multiple times throughout the week in his post game press conference:
“We would not fight back (against South Carolina),” Calipari said. “We let them do whatever they wanted to do to us. Today (against Arkansas) we fought back.
“I never scrimmage this time of the year … This team, we went an hour and fifteen minutes of scrimmage on Thursday. And then we went 40 minutes of scrimmage yesterday. I’ve never done that, but after South Carolina, what are you gonna do? You can’t talk them through it, you can’t show them, you get them on the court and you make them go nose-to-nose and you hold them accountable. For setting screens, for setting your man up, defensively, doing what they’re doing to us, rebounding, creating space and going after balls.”
Calipari said Kentucky usually doesn’t scrimmage this time of year to help prevent injuries from happening in practice. However, in this instance, Calipari said he believed it was necessary.
Calipari said the team may scrimmage again on Monday as it prepares to face Florida at home on Wednesday. The Wildcats and Gators have already met this season. Kentucky won a close game in Gainesville back on Jan. 6.
Kentucky will likely be favored at home on Wednesday against the Gators. If you’re interested in getting in on the action, here’s everything you should know about the best sports betting apps on the market and how you can get signed up.
Tipoff between Kentucky and Florida is set for 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday night.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
