Arkansas returned home after losing back-to-back road games and knocked off No. 15 Missouri 92-85. The Hogs scored a season-high in points in conference play to clinch a much-needed win for Arkansas.
“Today, I broke out ‘refuse to lose,’” head coach John Calipari said. “I don’t care what you do, how you do it. Refuse to lose when it’s late in the game.”
Game Summary
Arkansas’ defense was disruptive to start the game, and the Hogs jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the first five minutes. Missouri then got hot and tied the game in the next two minutes. In a game of runs, both teams exchanged blows, with Arkansas shooting 53.6% from the field, 10% from three-point range, and 76.9% from the foul line. Missouri, however, shot much better from three and took a 48-41 lead into halftime.
“I told them at halftime, ‘Guys, we’re 1 for 10 from three,’” Calipari said. “One for 10 from three, and it’s only a two-, three-bucket game. So just play.”
The Hogs clawed back, and a pair of free throws from Johnell Davis with 15:33 left gave Arkansas a 55-54 lead. The Hogs’ defense led to 22 transition points compared to just four for Missouri. Thanks to their disruptive defense, Arkansas pulled off the upset, 92-85, in Bud Walton Arena.
Who Stood Out for Arkansas
Zvonimir Ivisic, after not scoring against Auburn, led Arkansas in scoring. He finished with 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting, 1-of-3 from three, and 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. Ivisic also contributed defensively with two steals, two blocks, and four rebounds.
“He [Ivisic] told me, ‘I’m not going 0 for 10 again, Coach,’ and I believed him,” Calipari said. “I believe in him. I believe in all these guys. Now, they will drive me crazy sometimes, but the reality of it is I believe in what they’re capable of doing and what they did today.”
Johnell Davis continued to show his ability to score and disrupt on defense. His veteran leadership and production have been key to Arkansas’ recent success. Davis had 18 points, shooting 5 of 11 from the field, 3 of 7 from three, and 3 of 4 from the foul line. He also had a team-high four steals, four assists, and a rebound in 39 minutes.
Karter Knox, after starting SEC play slow, has now recorded three straight games in double digits. He finished with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, 1 of 3 from three, and 3 of 4 from the foul line, adding two rebounds and a steal.
Looking Ahead
Arkansas’ chances of making the NCAA Tournament improved with this win over Missouri, but the Hogs have yet to secure a spot. With four games remaining, Arkansas needs to win as many as possible to strengthen its resume, starting with Texas on Feb. 26 at Bud Walton Arena, with tipoff set for 8 p.m. on ESPN2.