Reeves stars as No. 23 Kentucky beats Arkansas 88-79

© Provided by The Associated Press Arkansas forward Makhel Mitchell (22) tries to pass the ball past Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin (0) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Antonio Reeves scored a career-high 37 points, and No. 23 Kentucky handed Arkansas its third straight loss with an 88-79 victory on Saturday.

© Provided by The Associated Press Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr., center, is fouled as he tries to drive past Kentucky defenders Jacob Toppin, left, and Antonio Reeves, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

Oscar Tshiebwe had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Wildcats (21-10, 12-6 Southeastern Conference). Jacob Toppin scored 21 points.

© Provided by The Associated Press Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr. (3) dunks the ball on a fast break against Kentucky during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

Kentucky shot 54% from the field in its fifth win in six games. It also held Arkansas to 36% shooting.

The Wildcats will be the No. 3 seed for the SEC Tournament.

“From this point through the conference tournament, we have to understand how we got to play, fight, execute,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said.

Kentucky played without starting point guard Cason Wallace because of a leg injury. Calipari did not give a timetable for Wallace’s return.

© Provided by The Associated Press Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin (0) dunks the ball on a fast break against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

Tshiebwe fouled out with 4:53 left, but Arkansas (19-12, 8-10) was unable to take advantage of his absence. The Razorbacks missed three straight buckets before Reeves scored to lift Kentucky back to a 10-point lead with four minutes left.

Arkansas coach Eric Musselman lamented his team’s trouble with finishing inside and praised Reeves. The senior guard was 12 for 17 from the field and 11 for 11 at the free-throw line.

“Obviously tonight, 2 for 20 around the rim, you’re not going to win a lot of games,” Musselman said. “What happened tonight is Reeves stepped into the point guard position and had 37 points. He played as good as any player I’ve seen since I’ve been coaching at Arkansas.”

© Provided by The Associated Press Kentucky guard CJ Fredrick (1) drives past Arkansas defenders Anthony Black (0) and Nick Smith Jr. (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

Nick Smith Jr. led Arkansas with 25 points on 10-of-23 shooting. Ricky Council had 16 points, and Anthony Black finished with 14.

The Razorbacks had 17 offensive rebounds, but they were outscored 17-9 in second-chance points.

BIG PICTURE

Kentucky’s late-season push likely secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament. A strong showing in the conference tournament could help with its seeding.

© Provided by The Associated Press Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves (12) dunks the ball on a fast break against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

Arkansas likely would have locked up a berth in the NCAA Tournament with a win over Kentucky. Instead, the SEC Tournament may determine the Razorbacks’ fate.

UP NEXT

Kentucky: The Wildcats will receive a bye to the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday.

Arkansas: The Razorbacks play Thursday in the second round of the conference tournament.

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