Whew.
Arkansas’ penchant for giving up the 3-pointer almost bit the Razorbacks. But coach Eric Musselman’s team turned on the gas in the final three minutes, ending the game on a 16-2 run to beat Northern Iowa on Wednesday, 93-80.
Chris Lykes, the 5-foot-7 transfer from Miami (FL), led the Hogs with 26 points off the bench. Five other Arkansas players scored in double figures, too, with JD Notae leading the way among them with 17.
Northern Iowa hung around because of its shooting from deep. The Panthers 17 of 37 from deep, which paved the way for 18 lead changes and 10 ties.
The final Razorbacks run was sparked by a putback from Jaylin Williams with 2:48 left. Au’Diese Toney followed on the next possession with a 3-pointer from the corner, then after his steal, Williams scored another lay-up, forcing a Northern Iowa timeout as the Hogs went from down one to up six with 1:27 left.
After wins over Mercer, Gardner-Webb and Northern Iowa, Arkansas will play its first power-conference opponent on Monday night when they take on Kansas State in the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City.