John Calipari on Razorbacks’ ‘different’ X-factor

Arkansas basketball turned in one of his most complete performances of the season on Tuesday night in Baton Rouge. With the SEC basketball standings tightening, the No. 21 Razorbacks controlled both tempo and grit in a decisive 91-62 victory over LSU at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Despite being scarce, Arkansas was executed effectively at both ends of the floor. The Razorbacks dictated the tempo early, defended physically and limited LSU’s scoring before the game ever got tight.

WholeHogSports.com shared a video of the head coach on its official X (formerly known as Twitter) account John CalipariPress conference after the game, which highlighted the head coach’s conference emphasis on rebound and mentality.

Trevon Brazile had a double-double Tuesday in Arkansas’ win over LSU. Coach John Calipari said that when Brazil gets rebounds, his team is “different.”
Watch Calipari’s full postgame press conference: https://t.co/ck2btkenvp pic.twitter.com/SiF0pNAV0k

— WholeHogSports.com (@wholehogsports) February 11, 2026

Calipari cited forward Trevon Brazile as a key difference maker. The veteran finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks and four steals in 37 minutes, providing constant energy and interior presence.

“That makes us different. And for him, it’s a mindset. You go into the game knowing how you’re going to play. It doesn’t mean you’re going to shoot every shot, but I’m going to play so hard and I’m going to play rough and I’m going to go for rebounds.”

Brazil’s impact stood out even though LSU held a 43-36 overall advantage. His effort, especially on contested boards and defensive rotations, changed momentum and strengthened Arkansas’ identity.

Calipari has expanded the mentality he expects, indirectly challenging others to prioritize toughness over scoring.

“But when you have a player who can rebound, but the only thing that drives his boat is his offense, he’s not going to rebound like he should. We’ve got a few of those. The only thing that drives him is to make a basket versus I’m going to take 15 rebounds and be an absolute beast.”

With DJ Wagner and Carter Knock sidelined, the game between Arkansas and LSU underscored a plan based on physical rejection and defensive intensity. The Razorbacks now return to Fayetteville to prepare for Auburn, carrying the momentum and a a clear message from Calipari that postseason identity in the SEC starts with toughness, not shot totals.