Calipari Sets Straight Record on Controversial Decision in Arkansas’ Sweet 16 Loss

The No. 10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks appeared to be in control of the game against No. 3 Texas Tech on Thursday night.

Arkansas even led by 13 points with less than five minutes remaining in the Sweet 16 showdown. However, Texas Tech came back to tie the game and send it into overtime, and Darrion Williams’ layup in the final seconds gave the Red Raiders the win.

It was a stunning loss for Arkansas, although the Razorbacks had the final shot at the end of regulation and overtime, both of which came up short.

In the overtime period, Williams put up a tough layup shot to give Texas Tech the 85-83 lead, and Arkansas went down the floor with DJ Wagner’s final shot attempt clanging off the rim.

Arkansas head coach John Calipari had one timeout remaining but failed to use it on the final possession in a move that many have widely questioned.

After the game, Calipari discussed the decision not to use the timeout.

“In my career, I let that go, let the guy get to the rim,” Calipari said when asked about not calling a timeout. “I usually let that go. Because it ended the way it did, yeah, I wish I would’ve called a timeout. But 99% of the time, I let that go.”

“It’s what we wanted,” Cali[ari added in terms of Wagner having the ball at the end.

John Calipari on if he considered calling a timeout on the last possession:

"I usually let that go. Now because it ended the way it did, yeah I wish I called a timeout. But 99% of the time I let that go." pic.twitter.com/XDChAOyjr9

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 28, 2025

Calipari mentioned that calling a timeout means having to worry about an inbounds play, the opposing defense and other things of that nature.

On the other hand, Wagner had the ball, but the offense didn’t look too comfortable on the final possession, which ended in a last-second Wagner attempt.

In hindsight, Calipari wishes he would’ve called a timeout in a decision that he might reflect on for a while.

Now, Arkansas’ impressive first year with Calipari ends in the Sweet 16 and Texas Tech moves on to face No. 1 Florida in the Elite Eight.