Johell Davis plays like the Basketball of Arkansas “ expected ” in an upset victory on Kentucky

Lexington, Ky. – There is no lack of reasons why Arkansas Basketball has turned Kentucky n ° 12 upside down in the return of John Calipari to Rupp Arena, but a factor is distinguished as a source of optimism for The rest of the season.

“(Johnson Davis) played as if we all expected what he played,” said Calipari after the victory of the Razorbacks 89-79 on Saturday evening.

Davis scored 18 out of 7 shots of the 14 shots, overthrowing three 3 points while the Arkansas (13-8, 2-6 seconds) sent fans of Kentucky (15-6, 4-4) in difficulty for outings With about three minutes remaining. It was the second consecutive match that Davis scored 18 points and the third consecutive competition that he took at least 10 shots, but it was by far his most effective score performance.

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Davis came out by pulling, overthrowing a 3 -point pointer on the possession of opening.

“After his first blow entered, he continued to fall,” said Adou Thiero. “So we continued to tell him throughout the match,” continues to shoot him, continue to shoot him “. While the game continued to increase and he continued to play.”

Davis was the spark behind a brilliant first half for the Arkansas offensive. Kentucky 58.6% and made 7 of the 10 3 points in the first 20 minutes. The HOGS, which were not a dynamic offensive team in play, had to keep up with the pace. Davis paved the way with 12 points, overthrowing its last three half-time shots.

Its impact extended beyond the score. Davis collected six assists of the season, four to come after the Kentucky half-time adjustment applied more pressure out of ball on the guard of Arkansas. He took what the defense gave him and showed good chemistry with Zvonimir Ivisic in the pick-And-Roll, recording decisive passes on three of the five baskets of Ivisic.

As Calipari said, this is what Arkansas expected from Davis when he acquired the transfer of the Atlantic to Florida. The initial results were disappointing because Davis is on average 9.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 39% shooting.

Last year with OWLs, these figures were 18.2, 6.3, 2.9 and 48.3%.

Iit is not lucky that the increase in production coincided with the absence of a fland boogie. The first year leader has missed the last three games with an injured inch, opening the door for more shooting for Davis. He does not have to fear a quick hook after the first missons.

Arkansas is not a better team without fland, but Davis is better placed to succeed.

“I think that (Davis) is developing there,” said Kentucky coach Mark Pope. “He now has the opportunity to be the dominant guy in the ball he used to be … I expect him to be more and more dangerous over the season.”

If Davis can produce a third consecutive outing Wednesday evening against Texas, the Hogs could simply resume the conversation of the NCAA tournament.

Jackson Fuller covers football, basketball and Arkansas baseball for the Southwest Times Record, which is part of the USA Today network. Join it at jugler@gannett.com or follow it @ jacksonfuller16 On X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Johnson Davis plays a key role in the upheaval Kentucky of Arkansas basketball