Though they downplayed the animosity, the coaches also noted that they are not friends. Earlier in the week, Calipari waxed on about his relationship with Self, and how it’s hard to play against friends; Pitino did the same about coaches like former UConn coach Jim Calhoun who have been important to him.

Calipari one-upped his frenemy. Arkansas had an up-and-down season on its way to a 10 seed for the tourney, while Pitino's' second-seeded team had national championship aspirations.