After dominating the University of North Carolina A&T Aggies 4-10 (0-1 CAA), the No. 23 Arkansas Razorbacks 11-2 (0-0 SEC) returned to Bud Walton Arena to face the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies 4-10 (1-2 Horizon). The Golden Grizzlies made the game competitive for most of it, even though the Razorbacks have far superior talent. However, when the game reached a little over three minutes remaining in the second half, the Hogs had a 23-point lead.
As ESPN disclosed, Arkansas only led by three points at halftime, 42-39. However, the Razorbacks dominated the Golden Grizzlies in the second half, 50-23. In the end, Arkansas crushed Oakland 92-62.
For the second straight game, the Razorbacks were without Johnell Davis, who has a wrist injury. John Calipari hopes to have him back for the next game against the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, Tennessee.
With the non-conference portion of the Razorbacks’ season over, the team now readies itself for an ultra-competitive SEC schedule. After Arkansas’s convincing win against Oakland, fans and media were pleased with the Hogs’ performance, especially with what they accomplished in the second half.
Social Media Reactions: Arkansas basketball vs Oakland
Josh, an Arkansas fan, was pleased to prove many Kentucky fans wrong, given they argued Oakland would defeat the Razorbacks.
Kentucky fans watching Arkansas whip Oakland after telling us we’d lose to them like they did for months pic.twitter.com/yPdVwof91v
— Josh (@OleDavis22) December 31, 2024
Hawg Beat noted that this win against Oakland is special for John Calipari.
FINAL: Arkansas 92, Oakland 62
— HawgBeat (@ArkansasRivals) December 31, 2024
John Calipari gets his revenge on Oakland.https://t.co/agS49vOwhz #WPS pic.twitter.com/WVbUMRSP1T
Jackson Collier, an Arkansas basketball beat writer at Hawg Beat, gave the Hogs credit for doing “what they needed to do in the second half.”
FINAL: Arkansas 92, Oakland 62
— JC Hoops (@JacksonCollier) December 31, 2024
Razorbacks did what they needed to do in the second half and pulled away. Should be a nice boost to the metrics on both sides of the ball before entering a gauntlet in SEC play.
Reactions?
Razorback Hobbs, an Arkansas fan, was pleased with Boogie Fland’s performance.
Hogs win! Arkansas takes down Oakland 92-62 in their last non-conference tilt of the season.
— razorbackHobbs (@razorbackHobbs) December 31, 2024
What a game by Boogie Fland!
Final stat line:
22points (All in the 2nd half)
8-15FG
5-83PT
2 REB
6 AST pic.twitter.com/G12kOvG74e
Michael Main, a staff writer at Hawg Beat, explained that the Hogs were able to “cruise” to a victory in the second half.
Arkansas outscores Oakland by 27 in the second half to cruise to a 92-62 win. Adou Thiero and Boogie Fland each dropped 22 points, and Karter Knox scored 17 on an efficient 6-8 shooting.
— Michael Main (@MichaelMain__) December 31, 2024
Hogs close out the year 11-2 heading into conference play. No. 1 Tennessee awaits… pic.twitter.com/LzT0CJIWIs
Kevin McPherson, sports journalist at Hogville, stated, “No. 23 Arkansas bumps, grinds, then blows out Oakland.”
GAME STORY: No. 23 Arkansas bumps, grinds, then blows out Oakland, 92-62, on Mon @ BWA in non-con finale ... Hoop Hogs (11-2) w/6th straight DUB to cap perfect December, now 8-0 @ BWA ... next up is SEC opener Sat @ No. 1 Tennessee
— Kevin McPherson (@ARHoopScoop) December 31, 2024
FREE article @ Hogville https://t.co/65vIQB8U4A pic.twitter.com/8HZW7jud1f