For one game, Arkansas overcame its season-long inability to finish off games.
That game was Thursday, not Friday.
On Friday, Texas A&M overcame a 13-point Razorbacks lead in the second half to knock Arkansas out of the SEC Tournament, 67-61.
When Nick Smith Jr. made a jumper with 15:31 left, the Hogs were ahead by eight points. By the time Anthony Black made the next Arkansas field goal more than five minutes later, that lead had collapsed to just one. The Aggies took the lead for good just two minutes after that.
Rebounds and free throws would have helped Arkansas’ cause. Instead, the Razorbacks shot just 12 of 19 from the line and were outrebounded 43 to 26. Texas A&M collected 17 offensive boards and turned them into 15 second-chance points.
Arkansas’ collapse also corresponded with Smith’s. He had 13 points on 5 of 10 shooting at halftime. The freshman finished with 15 points on 6 of 20 shooting.
Second-seeded Texas A&M had four players in double figures, led by Wade Taylor IV’s 18.
Arkansas will almost certainly hear its named called on Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament, but Friday’s loss leaves a smidge of doubt. It also all but ensures a seed no higher than 7, which would place the Hogs in a precarious position in the first round.
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