If Arkansas has been anything this season, it’s been a wild ride—full of unexpected twists, gut-wrenching losses, and just when you think they’re out, they pull you back in. After that brutal blowout loss to South Carolina, John Calipari & his crew’s trip to Nashville felt like a must-win. And they showed up and gave Vanderbilt a much-needed reality check.

Amid all the action, John Calipari took a moment to give props to Vandy’s first-year coach, Mark Byington. Turns out that both of them are UNC Wilmington alums. Calipari graduated in 1980—some 45 years back—while Byington wrapped up in ‘98. 

But, you know, that’s the thing about coming from the same program. No matter how long it’s been, seeing someone coming from the place you started, succeed just hits differently. Calipari was all praises, calling Byington “unbelievable” and a “terrific coach, really good guy.”

But, on the court, Cal’s team didn’t come to play nice. 

The Hogs dominated the final 30 minutes, picking up their seventh SEC win with a commanding 90-77 victory. Leading the charge was Trevon Brazile, who had his best game as a Razorback under Calipari, dropping 16 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. 

Arkansas’ frontcourt feasted on Vanderbilt’s smaller lineup, and the defense was relentless. Vandy started strong, hitting four of their first eight threes and even leading by nine at one point. But Arkansas cranked up the defensive intensity, forcing four turnovers and holding the Commodores without a field goal for the final 4:39 of the half.

The Hogs closed the first half on a 13-2 run, heading into the break with a 43-37 lead. Johnell Davis was a major factor, dropping 15 of his 21 points in the first half. The second half was even more domination. They extended their lead to 17, and five of their seven rotation players scored in double figures. Brazile hit back-to-back threes early in the half, and from there, Vanderbilt never got closer than nine. Even a technical foul on Calipari that led to four straight free throws couldn’t shift the momentum.

And just like that, the Hogs took care of business. 

Now, all eyes are on their regular-season finale against No. 25 Mississippi State at home. But more importantly, the big question remains: Will they have Adou Thiero back in time for that or the SEC Tournament- or at all? 

Will John Calipari’s leading scorer return?

Just ten days ago, after that massive win against No. 15 Missouri, Arkansas’s mission was simple: win a couple more games and stay healthy. But now, their chances are dependent on Adou Thiero’s left knee injury.

The biggest question looming over the Hogs right now is whether Thiero will be ready to go for Saturday’s must-win game against Mississippi State. Spoiler alert: The odds aren’t great. And if he misses that game, what about the SEC Tournament? Not even Thiero or Calipari seems to know the answer to that one.

Playing without their leading scorer (15.6 PPG) and top rebounder (6.0 RPG) has already made things tough. With just seven guys available, Arkansas is running on fumes. Thiero’s ability to create his own shot, drive through defenses, and get to the free-throw line has been a game-changer all season. Without him, the Hogs just aren’t the same team.

The Arkansas coaching staff has been tight-lipped, offering no details on the severity of Thiero’s injury or a timeline for his return. All we know is that it was officially called a hyperextended knee, suffered three games ago against Missouri. 

Since then, radio silence. He even flew to Los Angeles for further evaluation, and still, no updates. When Division I programs stay quiet about injuries, it’s usually not because they have good news. The NCAA selection committee must be watching this situation closely. 

They’ve dropped teams in seeding before when star players were injured. If Thiero isn’t available for March Madness, Arkansas could find itself on the wrong side of the bubble.

For now, all we can do is wait. And hope. Because if John Calipari wants a real shot at making noise in March, they need Adou Thiero back on the court—sooner rather than later.