John Calipari's first trip back to Rupp Arena with his new team was a successful one.

Calipari's unranked Arkansas upset No. 12 Kentucky 89-79 on Saturday in his first contest against his former team. Calipari spent 15 years with the Wildcats before leaving for Arkansas after last season. He won a national title with Kentucky and produced countless NBA stars.

Aduo Thiero, who followed Calipari to Arkansas from Kentucky, led the way for the Razorbacks with 21 points and eight boards. Johnell Davis added 18 points, six assists and five boards.

Kentucky's Amari Williams and Jaxson Robinson combined for 42, but it wasn't enough to avoid the upset.

Despite Calipari's years of sustained success in Lexington, he was met by a hostile crowd that booed him as he entered the arena. He responded with a convincing win over one of the best teams in the SEC.

The three Arkansas players who joined Calipari in Fayetteville also showed up against their former team. Along with Thiero's 21, Zvonimir Ivisic added 14 points and DJ Wagner put up 17. The Razorbacks' 89 points are the most they have put up in conference play thus far.

Despite the win, the start of the Calipari era in Arkansas hasn't gone well. The Razorbacks are 13-8 on the season and 2-6 in conference play. Meanwhile, the Wildcats are 15-6 on the year in 4-4 in SEC play.

While Kentucky has had the better season so far, Calipari and Arkansas got the last laugh on Saturday. It's the type of win that could turn the Razorbacks' season around as they try to make the NCAA tournament while competing in a loaded SEC.

If anything, the win should give Arkansas some momentum as it prepares for a stretch where it will see four ranked opponents in its next six games.