John Calipari Gets Ripped For 'Choking' Sweet 16 Game
03/28/2025 12:46 AM
It looked like Arkansas was well on its way to making the Elite Eight, especially when it had a 16-point lead over Texas Tech in the second half. Unfortunately for John Calipari, everything unraveled in the final minutes of regulation.
Arkansas went from playing relentless defense to struggling to guard the 3-point line. Texas Tech also dominated the boards down the stretch, which had to infuriate Calipari and his coaching staff.
The Razorbacks had a chance to redeem themselves in overtime, but Darrion Williams sealed the deal for the Red Raiders with the go-ahead bucket in overtime.
As you'd imagine, Calipari received a ton of backlash on social media for Thursday's "choke job" in the second half.
"Calipari doesn't foul up 3 and blows a 13 point lead in the last 4 minutes by deflating the air out of the ball. We have seen that before," Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio said.
"How does John Calipari manage to choke every March Madness," one fan tweeted.
"You don't have to recite the Calipari second half choke job to me," another fan wrote. "I was there when it was written."
"Typical Calipari choke," a third fan said. "Love to see it."
"Calipari being Calipari. Another choke job. Arkansas will learn," a fourth fan commented.
We're not entirely sure how Calipari is going to handle the media after this brutal loss. It legitimately seemed like Arkansas was getting ready for an Elite Eight showdown with Florida.
What makes this loss so deflating for Arkansas is that it overshadows a really nice run in the NCAA Tournament. The only thing the Razorbacks will be remembered for is an epic collapse when it mattered most.
Related: NCAA Refs Accused Of Rigging Sweet 16 Game For Duke
