John Calipari on Arkansas vs. Arizona: ‘It’s their will against our will’
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Arkansas and Arizona are set to clash in one of the most highly anticipated Sweet 16 matchups Thursday night, and while meeting with the media, Razorbacks head coach John Calipari didn’t mince words about what this game will produce.
With both squads ranking amongst the best in the nation when it comes to free-throw attempts and makes per game, Calipari emphasized how evenly matched this clash should be in that regard.
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“This is one of those games where we do some things better than them, they do some things better than us,” Calipari said. “Tommy [Lloyd’s] done a great job. They play to their strengths just like we do, they shoot about the same amount of free throws per game we do…they do it different: they pound it big and we slash.”
In a physical game like this one figures to be, the activity of the referee’s whistle–or lack thereof–could be a pivotal aspect. Calipari explained that he just hopes the game is called the same on both ends of the floor.
“If they let it go and we’re beating each other, I’m fine with that,” Calipari said. “And if you wanna call a lot of fouls, they’re gonna be called both ways cause we plays the same way.”
And in the end, the legendary head coach believes that a spot in the Elite Eight will come down to which team can gut out a victory when both sides are fatigued. Due to this, Calipari hinted at expanding Arkansas‘s rotation.
“They do it one way, we do it another, but the final result has been the same. That’s what makes this an interesting game,” Calipari concluded. “It’s their will against our will, and who’s going to hold out the longest. And that’s why I need a couple more guys playing.”
The Razorbacks and Wildcats will tip-off at 9:45 p.m. ET on Thursday, with the game being broadcast by CBS.
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Parker is currently the sports editor for the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
