Nick Smith Jr. hasn’t played a game for Arkansas. The Razorbacks haven’t needed him, either.
No. 9 Arkansas beat South Dakota State with relative ease Wednesday night, 71-56, to move to 3-0 on the young season. The Hogs’ defense was – again – their calling card.
Arkansas held SDSU to 32% shooting from the field and 19% from 3-point range while scoring 23 points off 20 turnovers in the victory. A 10-2 burst to end the first half provided a double-digit lead into the break. It was sparked by three Jackrabbits turnovers.
Coach Eric Musselman didn’t get much of a chance to solidify his rotation, as all 14 Arkansas players saw minutes. Ricky Council, who led the team with 19 points, left with about eight minutes left.
Arkansas has several days off before traveling to Hawaii for three games, starting with Louisville in the Maui Invitational on Monday. Smith’s status is unclear for the tournament.