Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

12/28/2011 at 11:30pm

Arkansas 80, Charlotte 67 

Why Arkansas Won
Arkansas (9-3) used another career night from Rickey Scott (23 points) to provide offensive scoring punch, plus got at least five points from six other Razorbacks. Scoring opportunities were set up by solid defense that fatigued Charlotte (7-4), forcing 17 turnovers and 34.9 percent shooting. Arkansas (9-3) held Charlotte’s top scorer, Chris Braswell, to seven points on 3 of 11 shooting. 

Turning Point
Charlotte was outscored 13-5 over the final 5:14 of the first half to give the Razorbacks a 13-point lead at halftime. Things were as close as 27-22 with 6:07 remaining. But the game broke open as Rickey Scott scored the final six points of the first half and gave Arkansas a 40-27 advantage at the half.

Player Of The Game
These pre-game pep talks between Rickey Scott and his uncle need to continue.

For the second game in a row Scott credited encouragement from “Uncle D.C.” for helping him hit a career high. Scott had 23 against Charlotte, plus six rebounds and five assists.

Scott hit 9 of 14 shots and he outscored Charlotte 8-0 to open the second half as the Razorbacks built on their lead. He has 41 points in Arkansas’ last two outings.

“If it was up to me, I’d have his uncle move over here,” forward Hunter Mickelson said. “He’s been playing well.” 

Block Party
Hunter Mickelson figured his knack for blocking shots would end once he left high school.

It hasn’t. Not at all.

Mickelson had four blocks in the first half against Charlotte. He has 26 so far this season.

“I’ve always been a shot blocker. I thought it would change coming to college,” said Mickelson, who also 8 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Arkansas blocked seven shots against Charlotte. 

Helping Hand
Arkansas players were helping each other out on the offensive end. They recorded 20 assists on their 26 made field goals.

It was during the first half the Razorbacks set the tone. They had 10 assists on 13 buckets, something Coach Mike Anderson noted following the victory.

Nice Shot
It was a rough night from behind the 3-point line for Arkansas, which hit just 6 of 20 shots (30 percent). But the poor shooting didn't extend to Mardracus Wade.

Wade hit 4 of 7 shots from 3-point range. He finished with 14 points.

Speaking Out
“Hopefully we can continue to get better. We’ve still got a ways to go, but we’re getting better. This is not the same team you saw at the beginning of the year.”
—Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson on the team’s 80-67 victory against Charlotte

Up Next
Arkansas (9-3) hosts Texas Southern  (1-10) on Friday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

Tagged: Arkansas Razorbacks, Rickey Scott, Hunter Mickelson, Mike Anderson, Charlotte 49ers