Forcing an opponent into 13 consecutive missed shots typically reflects well on a defense.
No. 20 Arkansas accomplished the feat during Monday’s 91-72 home win against Pacific and will try to maintain the intensity during Friday night’s game in Fayetteville, Ark., against in-state foe Little Rock.
Arkansas (3-1) scored 25 of the game’s final 36 points to pull away from Pacific and win consecutive games for the first time this season.
“I mean, we trust our defense,” Boogie Fland said. “… So (we’re) just staying disciplined and making adjustments throughout the game.”
Injuries to frontcourt veterans Trevon Brazile and Jonas Aidoo presented a challenge to the Razorbacks’ depth. Only seven Arkansas players saw action, logging between 22 and 35 minutes.
While the team’s frenetic style took a toll on the Tigers, the Razorbacks ultimately felt just fine.
Arkansas shot 59.6 percent from the field and produced four scorers in double figures. Adou Thiero led the way with 23 points and matched Johnell Davis for the team high with six rebounds.
“We just wanted to come out and have fun and show our grit on defense and just let that carry us,” Thiero said. “Offensively we were just trying to let the game come to us and find each other open shots.”
The Razorbacks hope to spread the wealth not only in the flow of the game, but within the rotation as they await the return of Brazile and Aidoo.
“You’re trying to have fun. You want those guys back so they can get some time,” Fland said. “It’s a team sport and just everybody doing it together because we love each other. We’re wishing they come back faster and going with the flow.”
Little Rock improved to 2-2 on a six-game road trip with Wednesday’s 71-57 victory at Tulsa.
The Trojans (3-2) outscored the Golden Hurricane 51-32 after halftime, shooting a blazing 19-for-27 (70.4 percent) from the floor after the break.
Little Rock forced Tulsa into 33.3 percent shooting after halftime, including 4 of 20 from long range, heeding the guidance of its coach, Darrell Walker.
“Coach just told us at halftime to be aggressive and keep boxing out and guard our tails off,” said Jonathan Lawson, who scored 16 of his game-high 23 points down the stretch in the second half.
Lawson added seven rebounds and five assists. Isaiah Lewis scored 17 points, Mwani Wilkinson had 16 points and nine rebounds, and Ante Beljan had 11 points.
Trojans reserve Creed Williamson missed the game with an injury. Should he play Friday, it will mark a chance to suit up against his dad’s alma mater. Nicknamed “Big Nasty,” Corliss Williamson was a two-time All-American at Arkansas and earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 1994 while helping the Razorbacks win the program’s first national championship.
Arkansas has limited its past two opponents, Troy and Pacific, to 38.2 and 40 percent shooting from the field, respectively.
“That’s our goal every game we play,” Razorbacks coach John Calipari said. “If we hold a team 40 or below, we should be OK.”
