No. 19 Arkansas lost to Illinois 90-77 in the Thanksgiving Hoops Showcase in Kansas City. The Razorbacks struggled with three-point shooting and never held a lead in the game.
“There’s a lot to learn from this,” John Calipari said. “I’ll be honest, with getting hit in the mouth like this, you’ve got to play a certain way, and it’s winning basketball. We didn’t create enough threes because we didn’t find people. We’re trying to do it ourselves, and there were opportunities, but when I watch the tape, I’ll have a better idea.”
Game Summary
Arkansas started slow, allowing Illinois to open with an 11-0 run before Zvonimir Ivisic scored off a DJ Wagner assist at the 16-minute mark of the first half. The Razorbacks shot poorly in the first half, going 0-of-7 from three-point range, 44.4% from the field, and 66.7% from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Illinois shot 55.2% from the field, 56.3% from three, and 66.7% from the foul line, building a 49-34 halftime lead.
Arkansas attempted to rally in the second half, but Illinois consistently answered their runs. With under 11 minutes remaining, Trevon Brazile hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to nine points, but Illinois’ Ben Humrichous responded with a three to extend the lead back to 12. The Razorbacks finished the game shooting 48.3% from the field, 29.4% from three-point range, and 59.3% from the free-throw line, while Illinois shot 52.6%, 48.4%, and 68.2%, respectively. Despite outscoring Illinois 42-28 in the paint, Arkansas fell 90-77.
“We got a lot to learn,” Calipari said. “This team’s going to be fine, thank God it’s November.”
Who Stood Out
Adou Thiero was a standout performer for Arkansas, scoring 26 points with six rebounds, an assist, and a block. Thiero attacked the rim aggressively but struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 12-of-21 attempts.
Zvonimir Ivisic and Billy Richmond III were the other two Razorbacks to score double digits in the game. Ivisic added 13 points, once again he was the best shooter for the Hogs hitting 3-of-6 from three-point range, and contributed six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Richmond provided a spark off the bench and played 32 minutes recording 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
“All Billy did was do whatever he could to help us win, not trying to get more shots, ” Calipari said. “He did what he had to, he flies up and down the court, he passes up jump shots and gets to the rim.”
What’s Next for Arkansas
The Razorbacks will travel to face Miami in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Dec. 3, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. on ESPN2.
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