Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

1/15/2011 at 4:53pm

Image by Mark Wagner

Delvon Johnson was limited by foul trouble early, but finished with 14 points, four rebounds and three blocked shots to help Arkansas rally past Alabama.

Why Arkansas Won If you happened to tune in to only the final two minutes of the game, you saw all you needed to see. Arkansas scored in the halfcourt, played tough defense and rebounded. Those elements weren’t there for the full 40 minutes, but the Razorbacks did just enough to hang with Alabama until closing out the game strong. The Crimson Tide held an edge in most statistical categories, but couldn’t close out the game. Alabama’s final three possessions included a pair of turnovers and a missed 3-point shot.

Turning Point
Rotnei Clarke hit a baseline jumper off an inbounds play to give the Razorbacks a 66-65 lead with 55 seconds remaining. That play gave Arkansas the lead for good and a pair of late steals allowed them to pad the lead and set the final margin at 5. Clarke scored on an inbounds play Razorback coach John Pelphrey said he thought up during a timeout.

In Trouble
Delvon Johnson picked up two quick fouls and played just three minutes in the first half. He was a non-factor for the Razorbacks as Alabama built a 33-29 halftime lead.

Johnson was instrumental in the Arkansas rallying, though. He played 18 of 20 possible minutes in the second half and finished with 14 points, four rebounds and three blocked shots.

Home Sweet Home
Arkansas is certainly comfortable at home. The Razorbacks improved to 11-0 at Bud Walton Arena.

Fans showed up 13,033 strong, the largest crowd of the season. Pelphrey, Arkansas players and Alabama coach Anthony Grant all remarked about how the atmosphere helped inspire the Razorbacks in the closing minutes.

Away from Walton Arena the Razorbacks are just 1-4.

Personal Day
Jemal Farmer did not dress with the Razorbacks on Saturday and was not on the bench. Pelphrey said the senior guard/forward was dealing with “personal things,” but remains on the team.

“When we have some resolution to that, I’ll let you know,” Pelphrey said.

Coincidence?
Two of the largest crowds at Bud Walton Arena this season have come with the football team in the building.

Arkansas’ 10-3, Sugar Bowl runner-up football team was recognized at halftime. Players and coach Bobby Petrino joined trophies from the Sugar Bowl and Southwest Classic at midcourt along with the Golden Boot, awarded annually to the Arkansas-LSU winner.

Approximately 15 football recruits were in attendance to see the team recognized.

A crowd of 8,805 showed on Dec. 22 to see the Razorbacks’ 67-59 victory against Texas Southern. Razorback football players, including NFL-bound Ryan Mallett and D.J. Williams, signed autographs prior to last month's game.

Welcome Back
A number of former Razorbacks were in the audience on Saturday and recognized during timeouts. Included were Steven Hill, Todd Day, Clint McDaniel, Lee Mayberry and Pat Bradley.

Speaking Out
“I’m not sure what we did well besides just hanging in there. And I’m proud of those guys for that. I’m proud of them for that.”
—Arkansas coach John Pelphrey

Tagged: Jemal Farmer, Alabama Crimson Tide, Anthony Grant, Rotnei Clarke, Delvon johnson, John Pelphrey, Bobby Petrino, Arkansas Razorbacks