Arkansas earned its first win of conference play and the first SEC victory in the John Calipari era. The Hogs’ comeback effort in the second half propelled them to a 68-65 win over Georgia.
“I just love the spirit of the team,” head coach John Calipari said. “It’s our chance to write our own story on how this thing finishes.”
Game Summary
Before the game, news broke that freshman Boogie Fland would likely miss the remainder of the season due to a hand injury. The Hogs were without their second-leading scorer and top assist man for the season. In the first half, without their lead guard, the Arkansas offense appeared sloppy. The Razorbacks shot 33.3% from the field, 9.1% from three-point range, and 77.8% from the foul line in the first half, while Georgia shot 41.4% from the field, 55.6% from three, and 69.2% from the free throw line. Arkansas hit its only three-pointer with five seconds left in the half, courtesy of Zvonimir Ivisic. Georgia carried a 38-26 lead into halftime.
“I told them at halftime,” Calipari said. “Guys, you missed every three, and we’re still in the game. We’re down five baskets. Don’t go nuts. We are fine.”
In the second half, the Hogs began clawing back. Thanks to an and-one from Karter Knox with 7:51 remaining, the Hogs pulled within one possession, trailing 54-53. With 14 seconds left, Georgia’s Asa Newell hit a pair of free throws to tie the game at 65-65, giving Arkansas the last possession. Adou Thiero made a hustle play, grabbing an offensive rebound and drawing a foul with less than two seconds on the clock. Thiero hit his first free throw, missed the second, and grabbed his own rebound for a game-winning layup as time expired. Arkansas secured its first conference win 68-65.
Who Stood Out for Arkansas
Adou Thiero delivered a standout performance in the Hogs’ first SEC win. He led the team in scoring with 17 points, shooting 5 of 8 from the field and 7 of 9 from the free throw line. Thiero also tallied a team-high 11 rebounds, along with a steal and an assist.
Karter Knox stepped up for the Razorbacks, delivering his best game since the win over Oakland on Dec. 30. Knox repeatedly attacked the rim, resulting in most of his points coming from the foul line. He shot 1 of 5 from the field and 11 of 13 from the free throw line. Knox finished with six rebounds, a steal, and a block in 34 minutes of play.
“I thought Karter Knox was really good making those free throws,” Calipari said. “How about those free throws when DJ [Wagner] made them, and then the offensive rebound on the last play by Adou [Thiero].”
Looking Ahead
The Hogs will remain in Fayetteville and host Oklahoma at Bud Walton Arena on Jan. 25, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.