Arkansas rolled past Tulsa on Saturday in front of 15,000 people. The game was different than I think anyone could have predicted. Tulsa and Arkansas both have been low scoring, defensive-minded teams this season. It was hard to tell that on Saturday because the 2 teams combined for 177 points. Mason Jones exploded for a career-high 41 points!
What Went Right
Ball Control
After several costly turnovers against Western Kentucky, it was good to see the Razorbacks limit the mistakes to 8.
Offense
The offense clicked today. Eleven 3-pointers and 23 of 30 from 2. Mason Jones was incredible with a career high of 41 points. He also recorded 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Isaiah Joe added 20 points of his own and Jimmy Whitt had 11 points.
What Went Wrong
Rebounding
There wasn’t much to criticize the Hogs about on Saturday, but rebounding was one of them. The Razorbacks lost the rebounding battle by 8. If the Hogs can limit their own turnovers, then they can live with being rebounded by that margin.
Defense
The defense wasn’t as sharp as it has been. It may just have been the nature of the game. It was very fast paced.
What Now
Arkansas has another 6 days off before facing Valparaiso in North Little Rock at Simmons Bank Arena.
Around the SEC (December 8-14)
Alabama (4-5)
Alabama nearly pulls off a big upset on the road at Penn State, but loses by 2.
Auburn (9-0)
Auburn takes care of business against a good Saint Louis team, 67-61.
Georgia (6-3)
Georgia gets blown out on the road against Arizona State, 79-59.
Kentucky (8-1)
Kentucky was challenged by Georgia Tech early, but they cruise in the 2nd half to the victory.
LSU (7-2)
The Tigers dominate in-state foe Northwestern State by 50!
Mississippi State (7-2)
The Bulldogs bounce back from a loss to Louisiana Tech with a neutral site win over Kansas State.
Ole Miss (7-3)
Ole Miss rolls to an easy win over Middle Tennessee State.
South Carolina (6-4)
The Gamecocks took their 4th loss of the year in a home game against Houston, 76-56.
Tennessee (7-2)
Tennessee welcomed rival Memphis to Knoxville for a top 25 matchup. Memphis won in a low scoring affair, 51-47.
Texas A&M (3-5)
The Aggies took their 4th straight loss with a neutral court loss to Texas.
Vanderbilt (6-3)
Vanderbilt is unable to ruin Liberty’s undefeated season despite playing at home, 61-56.
Eric Musselman Post Game Press Conference
Like many in our state, I didn’t have a choice in who my favorite team would be growing up. I was raised on Razorback. I remember watching the early season games on ARSN or conference games on JP Sports. My first favorite players were Brandon Dean and Joe Johnson. Great memories. I never thought years ago I would be writing about Arkansas Basketball. I don’t have a journalism background or anything like that. When given the opportunity, I wanted to challenge myself with something new and it has been a blast!
