RECAP: Hogs Fight For Another Close Win

The Hogs dug themselves into another hole (what else is new?), but found a way to overcome and pull out a 66-65 win over Oklahoma State. Arkansas is making a habit out of getting into ugly games and pulling out just enough to finish the job. The last five wins for the Hogs have all been four points or closer.

Jaylen Barford and Anton Beard combined to shoot 4/22. Arkansas fell in a big hole early. Some comical officiating decisions were made. Daniel Gafford had another quiet game. All of that and somehow Arkansas made the exact number of plays needed for a win.

The scoring came to a screeching halt in the second half. In the final 6:30 of the game the two teams combined to shoot 2/16. Oklahoma State finished the final 16:29 shooting 2/18 and didn’t make a shot in the final 7:33 of the game. Arkansas’ defense has been a major issue in SEC play but they got the stops they needed in this one.

Arkansas was down 12 early in the second half but battled back to take a 50-49 lead. Much of that lead was spurred on by Daryl Macon, who led the Hogs with 22 points. The teams went back and forth, no team had more than a three point lead in the final 10 minutes.

Oklahoma State hit two free throws to take a one point lead with 22 seconds to go. Anton Beard was able to get past the initial press and got off an open floater. The shot hit the back rim and Gafford’s tip in gave the Hogs the lead they needed. The Cowboys got two looks at the rim but the second slowly rolled off the rim and into Trey Thompson’s arms for the game sealing rebound.

The Hogs now have the final third of their season left and sit at 15-6. They also have a bit of positive momentum, winning four of their last five games. Next up is a pair of road games at Texas A&M and LSU. A split there would set things up really well for the Hogs, where four of their next five will be at home after that.