Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

1/26/2011 at 7:57am

Arkansas 73, Auburn 64

Why Arkansas Won
Auburn dug such a massive hole, even a furious rally wasn’t enough to pull out a win. Arkansas, which let a 24-point lead dwindle to six points in the final two minutes, benefited from the Tigers’ terrible shooting, which included a 0-for-23 streak to start the second half. To their credit, the Razorbacks (13-6, 3-3) did defend well in stretches as the Tigers (7-13, 0-6) struggled. Arkansas got balanced scoring inside and out, including 16 each from guards Julysses Nobles and Rotnei Clarke, plus 13 points and 11 rebounds from Marshawn Powell.

Difference Maker
Each day after practice Arkansas players who struggle from the free throw line have to stay until they hit 10 free throws in a row. Julysses Nobles is one of those guys and the extra work seems to have paid off. Nobles, who averaged 73 percent from the line prior to the game, hit 10-of-10 from the line to protect the Razorbacks’ lead down the stretch.

“I thought he stepped up there and did a good job making his free throws,” Coach John Pelphrey said. “We needed every one of them. It was good to see him hit them.”

Arkansas was 26 of 34 at the line.

Weak Finish
Arkansas was close to doubling Auburn up on rebounds at halftime, holding a 21-11 advantage. The Razorbacks, who entered the week last in rebound margin among SEC teams, allowed that gap to close significantly and held a 39-36 edge at the end of the game.

Quick Recovery
When Rickey Scott fell to the ground in a heap with 19.4 seconds left in the first half, it looked like a serious injury. Scott was writhing on the ground in pain and drew coach John Pelphrey and team medical personnel to the floor.

Scott, who limped off the court to the locker room, was back after halftime. He ended the game with three points in 11 minutes.

Seeing Scott return was a welcome site for the team. He missed eight games with a stress reaction in his foot.

Back In Action
Guard Jemal Farmer returned to the court for the first time since Jan. 12 against LSU.

Farmer wasn’t with the team for two games as he dealt with what coach John Pelphrey described as “personal issues.” Playing time prior to Farmer’s leave, which included missed practice time, had been scarce.

Speaking Out
“Fortunately for us we had a big lead and were able to hang on.”
—Arkansas coach John Pelphrey after Razorbacks had a 24-point lead trimmed to four late in the game.

“I had to make them. That comes from working out in the gym every day and Coach making me hit 10 in a row before I leave.”
—Julysses Nobles

Up Next
Arkansas travels to Vanderbilt on Saturday at 5 p.m. Winning at Vanderbilt would give the Razorbacks an elusive road victory.

Tagged: Rotnei Clarke, Julysses Nobles, John Pelphrey, Arkansas Razorbacks, Jemal Farmer, Marshawn Powell