Arkansas was almost used to slow starts in November and December of 2022. Too used to them, actually.
Coach Eric Musselman didn’t really want to deal with such struggles in fall 2023 and two games into the season, he hasn’t.
The 14th-ranked Razorbacks took about 15 minutes – perhaps a bit longer than Musselman desires – to hit their stride against Gardner-Webb, but an 86-68 dismantling of the Runnin’ Bulldogs were the ultimate outcome in a game that never seriously caused gnawing of fingernails.
Once Arkansas established its athleticism, that was that.
The Hogs blocked 15 shots and limited Gardner-Webb to 35 percent from the field while shooting 50 percent from the floor themselves.
Khalif Battle led Arkansas in scoring for the second time in two games with a game-high 21 points. He was joined in double figures by Tramon Mark (14), El Ellis (13) and Trevon Brazile (10).
Brazile blocked five shots, Makhi Mitchell blocked four and Baye Fall blocked two.
The Razorbacks are off Saturday and Sunday before returning to Bud Walton Arena on Monday to play Old Dominion.