After defeating the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) 75-60 at Bud Walton Arena, the Arkansas Razorbacks 8-2 (0-0 SEC) traveled to Madison Square Garden to face the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines 8-2 (2-0 Big Ten). This contest featured two excellent teams as part of the 2024 Jimmy V Classic.
The Wolverines garnered a 15-point lead in the first half, as it seemed they could miss a shot. However, Boogie Fland led the Hogs to cut the lead to four points at halftime; Michigan carried a 49-45 lead into halftime. In the second half, Arkansas was a different team. DJ Wagner led the Razorbacks to a comeback and an 18-point lead. Michigan relentlessly fought back to reduce the lead to one point. Arkansas was able to hold on to upset Michigan 89-87.
While this is an excellent win for the Razorbacks, the team must work to play better in the first half of games. Once they start to battle their SEC foes, making comebacks in the second half of games will be challenging, as second-half comebacks have become a throughline for the Hogs. Also, the team must improve its shooting at the free throw line to be successful against SEC opponents.
According to ESPN, Arkansas made 14 of 22 free throws, 63.6% at the free throw line. Fortunately for the Hogs, the Wolverines had a slightly worse performance at the free throw line: Michigan made 11 of 18 free throws, 61.1% at the free throw line.
After upsetting the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines, fans and media shared positive reactions about the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Social Media Reactions: Arkansas basketball vs Michigan
Kevin Butty, Video Coordinator for the Arkansas Razorbacks, was thrilled that the Hogs pulled the upset against Michigan.
Go Hogs!!!
— Kevin Butty (@Kevinbutty11) December 11, 2024
Jackson Collier, Arkansas basketball journalist at Hawg Beat, praised Jonas Aidoo, Trevon Brazile, and Boogie Fland.
Aidoo and Brazile came up huge for the Razorbacks tonight.
— JC Hoops (@JacksonCollier) December 11, 2024
Combined for 26 points, 13 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. Had to have every single one of them.
Boogie Fland did what he does: 20 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals.
After the team upset Michigan, Brett Hoffman, NFL Draft analyst, became a fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks.
I’m declaring my college fandom to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Fans so welcoming, accents are dope, and the Wooo, Pig, Sooie! chant hits hard 🐷
— Brett Hoffman (@BrettHoffmanjr) December 11, 2024
Hogtrough, a passionate Arkansas fan, appreciated the game's “March” feel.
That felt like a game in March.
— Hogtrough (@Hogtrough) December 11, 2024
Daniel Fair, an Arkansas basketball beat writer at Hawg Beat, found this game “incredible.”
FINAL: Arkansas takes the 89-87 win over Michigan in the Jimmy V Classic. The Wolverines couldn't get the final shot to go at the buzzer.
— Daniel Fair (@DanFair88) December 11, 2024
What an incredible game of basketball we got to witness tonight. Head over to https://t.co/3bYxMmCwRx for our postgame coverage. #WPS
Pinto, an Arkansas fan with a large social media following, said, “Great neutral site win.”
Great neutral site win
— pinto (@pinto479) December 11, 2024
Dr. Antonio Daniels, a Razorbackers Contributor, contended that the way Arkansas performed against Michigan is how he expects the team to perform consistently.
This is how I expect #Arkansas to play with all that elite talent and big money on the floor and sidelines. #WPS #Razorbacks
— Dr. Antonio M. Daniels (@paideiarebel) December 11, 2024