Razorbacks Drop another Nail Biter

Musselman’s Moves lead to Razorbacks Rally

After a tightly contested first half, the Hogs took an 8
point deficit into the break. Shortly after the second half started, the
Bulldogs extended their lead to as much as 17 points with more than 14 minutes
left in the game. Then, like a switch was flipped, the Hogs turned on their
offense. They went on a 14-2 run to cut the Bulldogs lead to five points.
However, what might be easily overlooked is the Hogs’ defensive adjustments.
With Mississippi State’s ball handlers struggling, the Hogs continued to send
double teams as the ball crossed half court. This combined with the abundance of
traveling and turnover calls was enough for the Hogs to get back in and stay in
the game.

With 1:45 on the clock, Desi Sills hit a monstrous three
ball to give the Hogs their first lead since around 10 minutes into the first
half. The team was rolling, the crowd was roaring, and Musselman had lead his
team back into a game they had no business being in 12 minutes earlier.
Unfortunately, consecutive possessions late in the game ended in a terrible
turnover and an air-balled three. After a missed floater with under 5 seconds
left, State’s big man tipped the shot back in to retake a one point lead with
0.6 on the clock. Mason Jones’s half court heave fell short, as would the Hogs
comeback attempt. The Bulldogs escaped Fayetteville with a 78-77 victory.

Razorbacks Stats

The Hogs did everything they could do in the second half to
give themselves a chance to win the game. The last shot just did not fall their
way. Despite their size issues all season, the Hogs actually won the offensive
rebound battle and only lost the over rebounding battle by two. They won the
assist battle, forced more turnovers, committed less fouls, and hit more threes.
The main stat that tipped the scales in this game was Mississippi State’s
shooting. They made 59% of their shots, including 43% of their threes. While
credit must be given to the Bulldogs for hitting their shots, the Hogs cannot
expect to win games giving up that high of a shooting percentage. The Bulldogs
were able to get to their spots, run their offense efficiently, and execute early.
Arkansas ramped up their defense to fuel their second half comeback, but their
lack of resistance on the Bulldog’s offense early cost them this game.

Razorbacks Road Ahead

Up next is a road game against SEC East opponent Florida.
The Gators have had a good season thus far, and are the only team remaining on
Arkansas’ schedule favored to beat them according to ESPN’s BPI. After that,
the Hogs head back home for a rematch against Missouri. There are rumors
circulating that this could be Isaiah Joe’s first game back after his knee
surgery, but nothing has been confirmed yet. His return could be the difference
in the Hogs fighting for a final spot in the big dance and fighting for a high
seed in the NIT.

Final Six

@ Florida

Missouri

Tennessee

@ Georgia

25 LSU

@ Texas A&M

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