Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

1/21/2012 at 5:11pm

Image by Mark Wagner

Zack Novak's foul on BJ Young was a turning point in Saturday's 66-64 victory against Michigan.

Arkansas 66, Michigan 64

Why Arkansas Won
Arkansas guard Julysses Nobles forced Trey Burke to shoot a difficult three-point shot that rimmed out as the clock hit 0:00 and Arkansas (13-5, 2-2) survived with a two-point victory at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks started the game looking unbeatable, connecting on their first 11 field goal attempts and building a lead that reached 20 points in the first half, but only went 13 of 37 the rest of the way. Michigan (15-4, 5-2) worked its way back into the game and cut the lead to two points three times in the last four minutes, but never led.

Turning Point
The Razorbacks had a 16-point lead when Mardracus Wade hit a three-pointer to open the second half, but that lead began to deteriorate as Michigan scored 10 straight points. The crowd, electric in the first half, became quiet.

But the crowd awoke when BJ Young scored on a layup (part of his game-high 15 points), then stole the ball from Burke and began flying to the basket. Young was fouled hard in midair by Zack Novak and remained on the floor for several minutes as medical personnel and coaches made sure he was OK. The crowd was displeased with the hard foul, which was declared flagrant by the officials, and Novak became public enemy No. 1 for the rest of the game.

That play kept the crowd alive throughout the middle of the second half when the Razorbacks extended the lead to 13, which proved to be just enough to hold on and win the game.

Young had his hand and wrist heavily wrapped and iced after the game, but said he expected to be able to play next week.

Player Of The Game
Freshman Hunter Mickelson came up big when it counted on Saturday. With the Razorbacks clinging to a two point lead, he hit a jumper to make the score 64-60. Michigan scored to cut the lead to two and after the Razorbacks failed to score, the Wolverines had the ball with the chance to tie or take the lead. Mickelson altered the shot that was blocked by Young, and then converted a bucket in the paint on a pick-and-roll with 42 seconds left to get Arkansas to 66 points.

Mickelson scored 11 points, his second-highest total of the season and was credited with two blocks. His presence in the post altered several more shots.

Without Waithe
Marvell Waithe made his second start of the season against Michigan but was unable to spend much time on the court. Waithe left the game with what was later described as a “strained calf” only 1:41 into the game. Waithe spent the rest of the first half in the locker room but was on the bench for the second half with his ankle heavily taped.

Anderson had no immediate timetable for Waithe’s return.

Madison Square Garden-South?
Arkansas sports celebrities were out in full force for the game.

Torii Hunter, the MLB All-Star center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels, was in attendance. Professional golfer and Arkansas alumnus John Daly was in the crowd as was T.J. Holmes, Arkansas alumnus and current host on BET and formerly of CNN.

Former Razorbacks Lee Mayberry and Darrell Walker were there along with former coach Nolan Richardson, who received a thunderous ovation when he was shown on the scoreboard during the game.

And, yes, the high profile football recruits were in attendance during the first half and witnessed Coach Bobby Petrino lead the football team to the floor to accept the Cotton Bowl trophies. 

Speaking Out
“It seemed like it took forever to hit the ground.”
— BJ Young, on the play when he was hit while flying to the basket, resulting in a flagrant foul and injuring his hand.

“You can’t simulate that. I know what it’s like when trying to prepare for the SEC in football.”
— Michigan coach John Beilein on preparing to face Arkansas.

“That atmosphere, with our players it takes us up eight or 10 points.”
— Mike Anderson, stressing the importance of the vibrant atmosphere fans can bring to Bud Walton Arena.

Up Next
Arkansas returns to SEC competition and plays host to Auburn at Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.

Tagged: Devonta Abron, Hunter Mickelson, BJ Young, Mike Anderson, Nolan Richardson, BET, CNN, TJ Holmes, John Daly, Bobby Petrino, Arkansas Razorbacks, Dorial Green-Beckham, Torii Hunter, Marvell Waithe