Arkansas starting 0-5 in conference play is now the worst start in program history since joining the SEC. The Hogs’ hopes of a trip to the NCAA tournament are continuing to be less likely after the 83-65 loss to the Missouri Tigers.
“I was talking, be free and loose on offense,” head coach John Calipari said. “We were, but we missed shots, didn’t get to the foul line as much as we like. Missouri’s a good team, and they deserved to win that game.”
Game Summary
The Hogs scored on a dunk by Jonas Aidoo in the first possession, and that would be the only lead of the game for the Hogs. Missouri would go on and score 18 unanswered points, taking an 18-3 lead with 14:15 left in the first half. The Tigers shot the ball efficiently against the Hogs in the first half, making 55.9% of their shots from the field, 52.9% from three-point range, and 71.4% from the foul line. On the other hand, Arkansas only shot 42.1% from the field, 21.4% from three-point range, and did not attempt a free throw in the first half. The Tigers took a 52-35 lead into halftime over the Hogs.
In the second half, the Hogs’ offense was not consistent enough to make a comeback on the lead set by Missouri early in the game. The Hogs brought the game back within 10 points at the 6:22 mark in the second half, thanks to a three-point basket from Zvonimir Ivisic. The Tigers would go on another run to end the game 83-65.
Who Stood Out for Arkansas
After only scoring a combined three points in SEC play, Ivisic recorded his first double-double in a Razorback uniform. He led the Hogs in scoring and rebounds, ending the game with 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting, 10 rebounds, two blocks, an assist, and a steal. Ivisic also made the most threes for the Hogs, shooting 2 of 5.
“He’s [Ivisic] blocking shots, he got 10 rebounds,” Calipari said. “I wanted it to be that and make a couple threes. You don’t have to make five, but when my team can’t make shots, then we will go to him.”
Adou Thiero is continuing his best season in college and has been crucial for this year’s Arkansas team. He scored 12 points on 5 of 11 shooting, 6 rebounds, a team-high three blocks, two assists, and two steals.
“Z stepped up and did some good things,” Calipari said. “I thought Adou fought. You know we just got to get good play out of a lot of people.”
Looking Ahead
Arkansas will return home and host No. 23 Georgia in Bud Walton Arena on Jan. 22, with tipoff at 8 p.m. on SEC Network.
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