Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

1/4/2012 at 7:44am

Arkansas 83, Savannah State 66

Why Arkansas Won
Marvell Waithe only scored two field goals but made 10 free throws to notch a career-high 14 points as the Razorbacks (11-3) held off Savannah State (5-9, 1-1). Mardracus Wade, Ricky Scott, and BJ Young also scored in double figures.

Savannah State took 17 more shots than Arkansas, but only made one more field goal, and those missed shots led to the Razorbacks’ 46-28 rebounding advantage. The Tigers settled for 22, 3-point attempts, making seven, while Arkansas was more aggressive, attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line 19 times more than Savannah State.

Said Arkansas coach Mike Anderson after the game, “When you make 31 out of 39 [free throws], your chances of winning the game are pretty good.” 

Turning Point
The Razorbacks never trailed, but the game was close during the first few minutes as the teams exchanged baskets. Just over three minutes into the game, the Hogs led 10-8 and used a layup by Devonta Abron to ignite a 15-4 run over the next 9:50 to push the lead to 25-12. While the Razorback guards have received most of the accolades this season, forwards scored all 15 points. 

Player Of The Game
An argument could be made for several players, but tonight’s winner goes to BJ Young for his 17 points in only 22 minutes. Young also provided what was possibly the game’s biggest play when the Hogs’ lead was down to single digits late and the game still in doubt. Julysses Nobles found Young streaking to the basket for a dunk that made the estimated 6,200 in attendance make the kind of noise expected from a much larger crowd, and the Tigers didn’t threaten after the play. 

Things Get Tense
The Hogs lead hovered around 20 points for most of the game, but sloppy play in the second half allowed Savannah State to creep back into the game and cut the lead to six with 3:23 to go. With the shot clock nearing zero, Nobles found Waithe on the baseline for a desperate 3-point attempt, which nearly went in, but Waithe was fouled. The senior from Toronto made all three shots from the stripe to push the lead to nine, and Young’s big dunk on the Hogs’ next play allowed everyone to exhale. 

Kinda-Sorta Lob City
In what could be considered an attempt to imitate the Los Angeles Clippers’ new “Lob City” mantra, the Razorbacks attempted multiple alley-oops in the second half, connecting on two. The first was from Rashad Madden to Hunter Mickelson and the second from Nobles to Waithe. However, there were at least two other lobs, which surely would have been spectacular if converted, but were missed and led to turnovers. 

Some Of The Lights
The lights in Bud Walton Arena did what appeared to be a new special effect to accompany the teams’s introduction video and starting lineup. However, the lights did not return to normal. It appeared the game would be played in what can only be described as mood lighting from 80s rock videos. The starters went out for the opening tip with “this is weird” awkward grins on their faces but the referees decided not to start the game until the lights were fixed, delaying the game for several minutes.

Speaking Out
“That’s why he’s the head coach and that’s why he does a good job.”
—Marvell Waithe, on Anderson’s player rotation adjustments

“The ball game is getting bigger now, much bigger.”
—Mike Anderson, on finishing nonconference play and preparing for SEC games

Up Next
Arkansas opens conference play at Bud Walton Arena against No. 16 Mississippi State (13-2) on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.

Tagged: BJ Young, Devonta Abron, Marvell Waithe, Arkansas Razorbacks, Mike Anderson