Tag: behind the box score

Behind the box score: Hogs’ struggles are very real

Arkansas’ problems aren’t just limited to a lack of defending the 3 and shooting the 3 themselves anymore.

Arkansas coach Eric Musselman is waiting. Arkansas fans are waiting.

But through 11 games, little has changed with the Razorbacks. The excuse, which is legitimate, that the Razorbacks, with their six new rotation players, need time to gel is running short on time. SEC play begins December 29 against Mississippi State and the issues linger.

Arkansas fell Saturday night in North Little Rock to Hofstra, a team picked fifth in the Colonial Athletic Association, 89-81. The Hogs were outplayed in almost every facet, much like they were last time out against Oklahoma in a 22-point loss.

Arkansas had opened the season with 10 straight wins, but with two losses in a row, it will not find itself ranked when the polls are released Monday.

So what went wrong against the Pride? Almost everything. But here are five key takeaways.

Beyond the box score: 5 biggest takeaways from Arkansas-Alabama

Arkansas did almost everything it needed to beat Alabama, but a valiant effort was just a bit shy.

It was one of the most entertaining games of the week, if not the season. Arkansas gave Alabama everything the Crimson Tide wanted, but Heisman Trophy favorite Bryce Young’s record-setting game was too much in a 42-35 Alabama win.

Arkansas limited its penalties. It had big plays. It slowed the Tide’s running game. It had trickery. The Hogs did almost everything they needed to leave Tuscaloosa with a victory for the first time in almost 20 years, but Alabama is still Alabama.

Still, the Razorbacks have nothing with which to be ashamed. Let’s take a look behind the stats and see just why the game played the way it played.

Behind the box score: Vanover, Davis, Notae – the returners – lead the way against Gardner-Webb

The numbers tell only part of the story in Arkansas’ 86-69 win over Gardner-Webb.

A 27-5 run late in the first half was plenty for Arkansas to defeat Gardner-Webb on Saturday at Bud Walton Arena, 86-69.

The Razorbacks received scoring from up and down the roster, outrebounded the Runnin’ Bulldogs, committed fewer turnovers and handled, all the way around, the visitors from North Carolina.

It was a positive step for a team that struggled for 30 of the 40 minutes against Mercer in the season opener Tuesday night. Arkansas’ players looked more comfortable with each other and the Hogs showcased a roster that can go 11 deep with relative ease.

Games are more than box scores, though. Here’s what to take away from the numbers as No. 15 Arkansas looks ahead to its next game, Wednesday against Northern Iowa.