Arkansas basketball hammers Central Arkansas, fans and media react

After upsetting the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines 8-2 (2-0 Big Ten) in Madison Square Garden in New York, the Arkansas Razorbacks 9-2 (0-0 SEC) faced the University of Central Arkansas Bears 2-8 (0-0 ASUN) in Simmons Bank Area in North Little Rock, Arkansas. This is the first of three tune-up games before the Hogs enter SEC play, beginning on the road at the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers 9-0 (0-0 SEC).

In these essentially practice games, the Razorbacks must perform at a level that meets John Calipari’s standard of excellence to emerge prepared to upset the Volunteers on the road in a difficult environment for opposing teams. Although this season’s throughline for the Hogs has been them making comebacks in the second half of games after performing poorly in the first half of these games, Arkansas played fairly well against Central Arkansas in the first half, carrying a 46-28 lead into halftime.

However, the Razorbacks did not perform well in the second half, only winning the half by seven points, 36-29, which is unacceptable against a far inferior opponent. Calipari can use much from this game, especially the team’s performance in the second half, to help it progress to the level necessary to be successful in SEC play. According to ESPN, the Hogs had 12 turnovers, three more than the Bears. Arkansas must have far fewer unforced errors as it moves forward this season.

Ultimately, the Razorbacks defeated Central Arkansas 82-57. Social media reactions reveal that fans and media generally reacted positively to Arkansas defeating Central Arkansas by 25 points in North Little Rock.

Social Media Reactions: Arkansas basketball vs Central Arkansas

Pinto, an Arkansas fan with a large social media following, was impressed with Boogie Fland’s performance.        

Jackson Collier, an Arkansas basketball beat writer at Hawg Beat, stated, “Hogs got the job done.”

Kevin McPherson, an Arkansas basketball journalist at Hogville, expressed that the Razorbacks had a dominant performance against Central Arkansas.

Grayson Failla, an Arkansas fan, is happy to see the Hogs playing excellent basketball this week.

Andrew Hutchinson, Managing Editor at Best of Arkansas Sports, found that “John Calipari will certainly have some coaching points” after this game.  

Connor Goodson, an Arkansas football and basketball journalist at Hawg Sports, was impressed with how the Razorbacks performed offensively and defensively throughout the game.