Arkansas Takes It To Alabama 81-66

Arkansas took Alabama to the woodshed last night in Arkansas‘s 81 to 66 victory over the Crimson Tide. The Hogs got off to a hot start last night by extending their lead to double digits midway through the first half. Led by Jaylin Tate who was five for five shooting from the floor in the first half. Tate lead all scores with 12 points in the first half.

Late in the first half, Alabama was able to pull within one point of Arkansas before halftime. With Bruner, who was four for four shooting from beyond the arc in the first half, connecting on a three point basket with just under three seconds remaining in the first half.

Early first half foul trouble allowed Ethan Henderson to enter the game in the first half. Henderson brought boost to the game on both ends. He would score one basket in the ball game, snag a couple of rebounds and provide some defensive intensity that was lacking with Connor Vanover, Jaylin Williams and Justin Smith on the bench for a few minutes.

Moses Moody was the leading scorer in the Razorback win. He finished with 24 points with a terrific performance at the line where Moody went 16 for 19. He finished the game with three blocks, five rebounds and four assists.

The Razorbacks also had another double double performance turned in by senior, Justin Smith. He scored 11 points and pulled in 12 rebounds. Timely dunks mixed with blocked and altered shots helped Arkansas keep Alabama’s offense at bay while keeping the offense chugging along.

Too many fouls?

One of the biggest storylines of the matchup was the discrepancy in free throws by each team. Arkansas went to the charity stripe 43 times. While Alabama shot only eight. That is ok though! There have been many of games that Arkansas was on the receiving end of officiating misguidances in losses in the past.

Arkansas’ defense

The Hogs won the rebounding battle last night. They edged Alabama by two total rebounds 37-35. Arkansas also won the turnover battle forcing Alabama into 16 turnovers while limiting their’s to only 12. The Razorbacks have been finding ways to win on the defensive end and it’s been a sight to see. Head coach, Eric Musselman is building this team in the model of how he built Nevada. Things are becoming fun again.

Balanced scoring

The Hogs five guys score in double figures last night. Eight of the nine players who saw the floor scored.

The starting five:Moody had 24, Smith with 11, Tate with 12, Davonte Davis with 5 and Connor Vanover with 2.

Bench: Williams with 13, JD Notae with 12 and Henderson with 2.