John Calipari Defends Final Overtime Decision in Arkansas Loss to Texas Tech
Arkansas head coach John Calipari faced hard questions after his team lost in Sweet 16. The team fell in overtime against Texas Tech. They had led by 16 points at one time but lost 66–64. Calipari did not call a timeout in the last moments.
With time tight, star DJ Wagner missed a jumpshot. That shot would have forced a second overtime. Texas Tech then took a final possession that set up Arkansas’s last try. Calipari let his players act without a timeout. He later explained his choice at the postgame press conference.
"In my career, I let the player get to the rim. I believe they will not foul him. With little time left, a timeout makes you worry about his moves, the inbound pass, and what your team does. I usually let events flow. I wish I had called a timeout when it ended that way. But almost always, I let it go because I know what the other team and our team will do."
Calipari’s choice gave mixed results. The Razorbacks ended their season when the buzzer-beater did not drop. Their journey was hard and full of turns. After starting 0–5 in conference play, their chances looked dim. Then they rallied and won 8 of 13 games to earn a No. 10 tournament seed.
In the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament, Arkansas grabbed its chance. They beat No. 7-seed Kansas and led by as many as 11 points. Then came a game between coaching legends, Calipari and Rick Pitino from St. John’s. Arkansas won that contest too.
The Razorbacks fought hard and hoped to reach the Elite Eight. Yet, they lost at the final rim as time expired. They closed the season with a 22–13 record. They had won 7 out of their last 10 games before the tournament.
Calipari’s calls now will face close review. The season held both high points and lows. As the team plans ahead, its strong will is a key part of that future.
