RECAP: Arkansas Fights Through Ugly Game To Advance

Arkansas definitely didn’t have their best game, but it was enough. Enough for a 69-64 win over the Gamecocks to play Florida in the quarterfinals. There were 33 total turnovers, 40 total fouls, and Daryl Macon had a 2/10 night shooting. Arkansas was able to get enough of an advantage with their best night from the free throw line. The Hogs were 23/26 from the charity stripe, and made 13 more than South Carolina.

The Hogs led wire to wire, but made things much more stressful than things needed to be. After South Carolina tied things at 26, Arkansas ended the first half on a 10-2 run for an eight point halftime lead.

They opened the second half well as well, growing the lead to as much as 15 at one point. The Hogs led 47-32 when the offense came to a screeching halt. South Carolina never had an enormous run, but were able to cut the lead to 56-55 at one point. Arkansas was able to keep Carolina at bay and did just enough from the field, and got the stops they needed.

The play of the game was the absurd 30+ foot three pointer from Jaylen Barford. With Arkansas only up 2, the Hogs needed the shot and got it.

Barford led the way with 17 points, but with Macon struggling they needed help from elsewhere. Adrio Bailey hit his free throws and finished with nine points, so did Darious Hall. Daniel Gafford had eight and four blocks. Anton Beard pitched in with seven points, five assists, and three steals.

For the second night in a row, the Hogs will be the last of four games in St. Louis. They will try to avenge an earlier loss on the road, and cement their status as a potential 6-seed in the NCAA Tournament come Selection Sunday.