There’s just something about Missouri that gets Arkansas forward Trey Wade fired up.
The Graduate Senior from Marietta, Ga has reached double-figures in scoring three times this season, two of them have come in both of the Razorbacks’ matchups with Missouri. What’s even wilder, is that he recorded his first double-double of the season in the Hogs win over the Tigers on Tuesday in Columbia, Mo.
Wade scored 12 points and pulled down 11 boards in the 76-57 win over Missouri, which followed a 17-point, five rebound game against the Tigers on January 12 in Fayetteville.
That performance was a great bounce back after being held scoreless and only grabbing one rebound in the loss to Alabama last Saturday. What lit a fire into Wade? His teammate, senior guard Stanley Umude, gave some insight.
After the last game, (Coach Musselman) was getting on to him about rebounding more and being more active in the offense,” said Umude following the win over Missouri Tuesday night. “He did a good job of that and he played well and he did well for us tonight.”
Wade spoke to the media as well following the game, and said that he wanted to do whatever he could to get out of a drought. He began with changing his approach defensively.
“I get in the habit of just boxing out and in a way it makes you lazy on the boards,” said Wade. “So I just tried to change my mindset and my coaches challenged me. Enough was enough, I had to take the challenge.”
Becoming more aggressive in the rebounding department opened doors for more scoring opportunities as well, something that Wade says his coaches would like him to do more often.
“I was a little aggressive tonight starting out and that’s what coach wants me to do. Take open shots and open looks to take pressure off the other guys and get in a rhythm.”
The red-hot Razorbacks look to keep their hot streak alive Saturday as they welcome Tennessee to Bud Walton Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.