Down two points with 23 seconds remaining in the game, Kentucky drove down the court and found guard Davion Mintz on the right wing for a 3-point opportunity, one he drilled to give the Wildcats an 80-79 lead with just 14 seconds to go.
Looking for a game-winner of their own, Arkansas missed a jumper with seven ticks to go, but fought for an offensive board for one final putback attempt with 4.3 seconds remaining. Going up in a crowded paint area, Razorback guard Jalen Tate drew the foul on Jacob Toppin to earn two free throws, with the Northern Kentucky graduate transfer hitting both to take an 81-80 lead.