Arkansas Basketball In The SEC Part 2 - Auburn

Arkansas will begin its’ 30^th season in the SEC this fall. It is hard to believe that is has been that long. At Arkansas Fight, we are starting a series looking back at Arkansas basketball since entering the SEC. Each week, we will take a look at each SEC team and their history with Arkansas. We’ll dive in to the biggest games and outstanding performances. Next up is Auburn.

Arkansas All-Time Record versus Auburn: 34-20

Arkansas All-Time SEC Record versus Auburn: 34-19

Home: 21-5 Away: 12-14 Neutral: 1-1

Biggest And Best Games Of The Series

February 24, 1999 – Court Storming

#2 Auburn 88 @ Arkansas 104

Many fans in Hog Nation say this game against Auburn is the loudest Bud Walton Arena has ever been. Auburn was ranked #2 and the Hogs took care of business with the 16 point win. The Hogs were only up 4 at halftime, but exploded for 40 points in the 2^nd half. It was balanced offensive attack with Pat Bradley, Chris Walker, and Derek Hood combining for 62 points. After the final buzzer sounded, fans stormed the court in BWA for the first time.

March 12, 2000 – SEC Tournament Championship

Auburn 67 vs. Arkansas 75

The 1999-00 team capped their run in the SEC Tournament with a championship win over Auburn. Kareem Reid, Pat Bradley, and Derek Hood were all gone. Joe Johnson, Teddy Gipson, and Brandon Dean were the team’s core now. Dean had an outstanding game with 22 points on 9-13 shooting. This is the only SEC Tournament Championship for Arkansas.

January 15, 1994 – Highest Scoring Output In SEC Era

Arkansas 117 @ Auburn 105

The national championship season produced a lot of records and accolades. One of them was setting the school record for points in an SEC game. This was a barn burner as both teams had over 100 points. The Auburn teams of the early 90s were not good, but gave the highly ranked Hogs several losses and close games. This one was no different. 5 different Razorbacks were in double figures as the Hogs outlasted the Tigers.

Worst Game

This won’t be a regular thing during this series, but I felt I had to include this one. I apologize for those that remember it or were in attendance…

January 11, 2003 – Lowest Scoring Output In SEC Era

Auburn 52 @ Arkansas 37

Stan Heath’s first year was abysmal. The worst season in decades. This game in BWA against Auburn really was a summation of the entire year. Arkansas was ahead by 1 at halftime, but only scored 15 points in the 2^nd half. The Hogs only had 1 player reach double figures and that was Kendrick Davis. Arkansas committed 24 turnovers, shot 32.1% from the field, and went 2-20 from the 3.

Outstanding Performances

Daniel Gafford – February 27, 2018

It was Senior Night for great Hogs like Jaylen Barford and Daryl Macon. Auburn was ranked #14 and Arkansas really needed a resume´ building win. Daniel Gafford made sure that happened for his seniors. The big man had 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 blocks. The Tigers were under-manned in the paint that night and Gafford took advantage. Arkansas would win the game, 91-82.

Scotty Thurman – January 14, 1994

We highlighted this game earlier, but didn’t mention what Thurman did. The sharpshooter had 32 points on 12-18 shooting with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. This was one of three 30 points games for Thurman.

Tarik Wallace – February 21, 1998

The #14 ranked Hogs were coming off a win over a ranked South Carolina team when they welcome a solid Auburn squad to town. Tarik Wallace had a career best 26 points on 9-14 shooting including 8 three pointers. Arkansas would go on to route the Tigers, 107-83.

Mason Jones – February 4, 2020

The burden was heavy on the shoulders of Mason Jones in this one. Isaiah Joe was out with injury and Jimmy Whitt went scoreless. The #11 ranked Tigers came into a rabid Bud Walton Arena. Mason Jones was incredible as usual. He recorded 40 points on 12-24 shooting with 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. The Hogs would lose in overtime after a collapse in regulation, but that doesn’t take away from Jones’ outstanding game.