Kentucky loses to Arkansas after inexplicably bad last-second inbounds play

The Arkansas Razorbacks controlled the second half of Tuesday night’s game at Rupp Arena against the struggling Kentucky Wildcats, for the most part.

However, the Wildcats made a run late in the game, even taking an 80-79 lead with 14 seconds remaining. But, after a foul, Jalen Tate stepped to the line and knocked down 2 clutch free throws, giving the Hogs an 81-80 lead.

With 4.3 seconds left, Kentucky drew up this inexplicably awful inbounds play, getting the ball to big man Olivier Sarr at half-court. He then had a pass stolen by Davonte Davis to seal the win for Arkansas:

I just don’t understand this

Why is Askew on the far end of the court?

Why is the only person coming to the ball Sarr?

And why is this what we ended up with when they weren’t even contesting the Inbound pass? pic.twitter.com/LVbDbOjTv6

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 10, 2021

Tate hits the game winner and Devo Davis with the steal to seal the win! Arkansas breaks an eight game losing streak to Kentucky and moves to 15-5. pic.twitter.com/igIn7qSa4d

— Nikki Chavanelle (@NikkiChavanelle) February 10, 2021

After the game, coach John Calipari tried to explain what was supposed to happen on the play:

https://twitter.com/KySportsRadio/status/1359329326513213440

Kentucky falls to 5-13 on the season. Arkansas improves its standing in regards to the NCAA Tournament and now sports a 15-5 overall record.