After missing the past four games with a back injury, freshman sensation Taliah Scott returned to practice for the Arkansas women’s basketball team on Tuesday.
The 5-foot-9 guard, who leads the SEC in scoring with a 22.3 points-per-game average, took the court for the first time since suffering the injury Jan. 4, during a 73-63 loss in the conference opener at Kentucky.
“She’s eager to get back, she’s excited to get back, but a back injury at that age is something you have got to watch really carefully,” Head Coach Mike Neighbors said.
Arkansas (14-6, 2-3 SEC) went 2-2 with Scott sidelined, including a rough 99-68 loss at LSU on Sunday. Not only have the Lady Razorbacks missed her ability to score, but they have also missed her presence with defensive pressure, as well as the affect it has had on the team’s depth.
“It’s affected practice probably more than games, because we have to be very, very cautious with our energy and our reps, but I think our kids have rallied,” Neighbors said. “It’s changed some things we’ve had to do, offensively and defensively, We’ve had to change a few tactics, but the kids have responded great.
Neighbors received word early Tuesday that Scott was cleared to return. She will likely see the court when Kentucky comes to town Thursday night, but it’s unknown how much she will play
“She will return to activity today,” Neighbors said, prior to practice. “We hope this is that ramp-up period (after) you’re out for a period of time. You don’t ever want to bring anybody, especially a freshman, back too fast. But she will be in activity today.”
The Lady Razorbacks and Lady Wildcats will tip off at 7 p.m. Thursday inside Bud Walton Arena, and will be televised on SEC Network-Plus.