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Why Keion Brooks' 'big day' might have been the most important development at Arkansas

LEXINGTON – Upon taking over coaching duties after John Calipari's ejection with just more than eight minutes left in Kentucky’s win at Arkansas, associate head coach Kenny Payne was left with a dilemma in his frontcourt.

Forwards Nate Sestina and EJ Montgomery were struggling against the Razorbacks’ smaller lineup, and it was Montgomery’s fourth foul that set off Calipari in the argument that resulted in two technical fouls.

Nick Richards had 10 points and seven rebounds at the time but could not carry the load alone.

Enter freshman forward Keion Brooks.

“The whole time, I’m telling Keion, ‘You have to grow up today, so I’m not taking you out.