The Hoop Hogs fell just short on the road against No. 22 Michigan State, suffering their first loss of the season, 69-66. While Arkansas held the Spartans to just one made three-pointer, Michigan State dominated the paint and escaped with the win.
Game Summary
Michigan State opened the game with a dunk from Coen Carr, followed by a three-pointer from Darius Acuff Jr. to give Arkansas an early lead. The game remained close throughout the first half, but turnovers plagued the Hogs, who committed 10 before halftime. Despite that, Arkansas shot 50 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range to take a 39-36 lead into the break.
The difference came inside, where Michigan State’s physicality took over. The Spartans outscored the Hogs 46-28 in the paint and outrebounded them 45-33, including 19 offensive rebounds in the game. Arkansas struggled to find rhythm in the second half, shooting just 28.6 percent from the field and 2 of 14 from beyond the arc. Foul trouble also hurt the Hogs, as Nick Pringle fouled out and Trevon Brazile finished with four fouls. Arkansas had three chances to tie the game in the closing seconds but couldn’t convert, falling 69-66.
Who Stood Out for the Hoop Hogs
Despite the loss, the freshman guards once again led the way offensively. Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas each scored 16 points, with Acuff adding a team-high six assists and two steals. Thomas also contributed six rebounds, the second most on the team.
DJ Wagner made a strong impact as well, scoring 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 2 of 4 from three-point range. He also caused problems for Michigan State defensively, recording a game-high three steals.
Looking Ahead for the Hoop Hogs
Arkansas will return to Bud Walton Arena for its next matchup against Central Arkansas on Nov. 11. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.
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