Coming off a close and competitive loss on the road against then No. 8 and now No. 12 Baylor 2-1 (0-0 Big 12), then No. 16 and now No. 18 Arkansas Razorbacks 2-1 (0-0 SEC) returned home to the friendly confines of Bud Walton Arena to battle the Troy Trojans 2-1 (0-0 Sun Belt). For much of the game, it was indeed a battle. During the middle of the second half, the Hogs started separating themselves from the Trojans.
Arkansas had a better night shooting behind the three-point line than against Baylor. According to ESPN, the Razorbacks converted on 10 of 23 three-point attempts, a 43.5% three-point conversion rate. As in each of its games this season, including the exhibition games, the Hogs’ defense was tenacious. Ultimately, Arkansas’s improved shooting behind the three-point line and its excellent defense led to its 65-49 win against Troy.
Although some on social media expressed concerns about the Razorbacks' slow first half, most reactions were positive by the end of the game.
Social Media Reactions: Arkansas basketball vs Troy
Many were thrilled about Zvonimir Ivisic’s impressive three-point shooting, going six for seven behind the perimeter, according to ESPN.
John Nabors, owner of Inside Arkansas, who always infuses humor into his sports journalism, shared his appreciation for Ivisic’s excellent three-point shooting performance.
Z CANNOT MISS ONIONS DOUBLE ORDER SAUTÉED!
— John Nabors (@JohnNaborsShow) November 14, 2024
Curtis Wilkerson, Managing Editor of Inside Arkansas, also shared some humor in his excitement about Ivisic’s three-point shooting performance.
Headband Z is here to stay. Never take it off your dome, big fella.
— Curtis Wilkerson (@CurtWilkerson_) November 14, 2024
Mason Choate, Arkansas on Rivals publisher, joined in the fun and praise about Ivisic’s performance.
Just like that, Zvonimir "Big Z" Ivisic is up to SIX made 3-pointers in this game. Hogs are now shooting 43.5% from three against Troy. #WPS
— Mason Choate (@ChoateMason) November 14, 2024
Riley McFerran, Managing Editor at Arkansas on Rivals, believes that Ivisic may be the Razorbacks’ best three-point shooter.
Big Z might just be Arkansas' best three-point shooter, as we all expected. Hogs lead 57-43 with 5:26 left to go:https://t.co/nqR1MFNgVL #WPS
— Riley McFerran (@RileyMcFerran) November 14, 2024
Jackson Collier, basketball journalist at Arkansas on Rivals, offered a response that encapsulated most reactions to the Hogs’ win against the Troy Trojans.
FINAL: Arkansas defeats Troy 65-49. Slow game early, but Hogs pull away late.
— JC Hoops (@JacksonCollier) November 14, 2024
Razorbacks shot 43.5% from three, in large part due to Z going 6/7 from deep. Rest of the team was 4/16.
Defense was great again, allowing just 49 points, 38.2% from the field, and 15.7% from three…
The Arkansas Razorbacks' next game is against the Pacific Tigers 3-1 (0-0 WCC) on Monday, November 18, 2024, in Bud Walton Arena.