Arkansas clinched the No. 8-seed for the SEC Tournament on Sunday by beating Mississippi State, 87-79, in Starkville.
The Razorbacks snapped a four-game losing streak with the victory and finished the regular season with a record of 17-12 and 7-9 in SEC play. The record in league play was the same as Missouri, which Arkansas will play in the first round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday. The Hogs beat Missouri twice in the regular season.
Sunday’s win over Mississippi State was important in keeping the Razorbacks in the NCAA Tournament. ESPN’s Charlie Creme has Arkansas as a No. 10-seed for the Dance even before the SEC Tournament starts. A fifth straight loss may have sent them further down.
But Sasha Goforth’s 20 points led five Arkansas players in double figures. She shot 8 of 13 from the floor and blocked three shots, as well.
The key were turnovers. Arkansas committed just five, but scored 15 points off Mississippi State’s 12 turnovers.
Amber Ramirez had four steals and 15 points as Arkansas’ No. 2 scorer. Anastasia Hayes led Mississippi State with 20 points.