Before Wednesday night’s game against Ole Miss, strengths could found with this year’s Arkansas basketball team.
But after their worst loss to Ole Miss in more than 50 years and the potential shelving of their two best players, the Razorbacks are dire need of a miracle. Those strengths are withering.
Arkansas was without leading scorer Tramon Mark against the Rebels and played without forward Trevon Brazile for most of the second half. The Rebels took advantage in a 77-51 win by not having to worry about any of Arkansas’ wings or guards being overly aggressive by attacking or any of Arkansas’ forwards stretching the floor and forcing defensive shifts because of athleticism.
In other words, the Hogs became incredibly easy to play against.
Coach Eric Musselman said after the game that Brazile is considered day-to-day for now until his sore knee is checked out by the team doctor back in Fayetteville. He didn’t clarify – purposefully – which knee was bothering the player who missed all of SEC play last season because of knee surgery. Mark should be back sooner rather than later, but migraines are difficult cases, too.
That’s the future, though. Let’s examine just what Ole Miss did, or what Arkansas didn’t do, on Wednesday.