Arkansas holds off No. 25 Mississippi State, Razorback Nation relieved

The Arkansas Razorbacks (19-12; 8-10 SEC) almost squandered an impressive performance for most of the second half against the No. 25 Mississippi State Bulldogs (20-11; 8-10 SEC). In the game's final seconds, Billy Wagner saved the day for Razorback Nation by blocking the shot that could have resulted in a disappointing day.

Although the Mississippi State Bulldogs were the slight underdogs against the Razorbacks in Bud Walton Arena, they had one significant advantage: Adou Thiero, Arkansas's leading scorer and arguably best player, could not play because of a knee injury. Because of his injury, John Calipari has had to employ a seven-man rotation, which, of course, is not ideal against a team as talented as Mississippi State. The Bulldogs brought a healthy team to Fayetteville to defy the odds against them.  

Arkansas played well in the first half, although the team made silly fouls that put it at a competitive disadvantage, especially given its roster limitation. However, the Razorbacks played well enough to take a one-point lead into halftime. The Hogs came out of halftime with great energy and played its best second half against an SEC opponent until the final minutes when they had an epic meltdown. Arkansas surrendered a 16-point lead, permitting the Bulldogs to take the lead. Drawing from the energy of their fans in Bud Walton Arena, the Razorbacks recaptured the lead and held off Mississippi State.

The Hogs defeated the Bulldogs 93-92. As ESPN disclosed, Arkansas guard D.J. Wagner led all scorers with 24 points, making seven of nine from the field and converting all seven free throw attempts. Even though this game was closer than it should have been, Arkansas fans and media expressed on social media how pleased they were with their Razorbacks defeating No. 25 Mississippi State.  

Social Media Reactions: Arkansas basketball vs. Mississippi State

Sam Vecenie, Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, gave John Calipari significant praise for the excellent coaching job he has done this season.

Curtis Wilkerson, Managing Editor at Inside Arkansas, said, "TICKET PUNCHED!"

Arkansas Razorbacks, the official X/Twitter account of the Arkansas Razorbacks, captured the dramatic emotions most Razorback fans expressed in the closing seconds of the game.

John Calipari expressed how "proud" he is of Trevon Brazile for his recent performances.

John Nabors, Owner of Inside Arkansas, also praised Trevon Brazile for his recent performances, saying, "So good seeing Brazile being Brazile again. Give me a lot of joy."

The SEC Network's X/Twitter account noted that this was a "HUGE WIN" for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Almamy Thiero, the father of Adou Thiero, celebrated Billy Wagner.

Hogballburner showcased D.J. Wagner's excellent game.

Alandise Harris, former Arkansas Razorbacks basketball player, demonstrated excitement about the Hogs' victory: "Look at those hogs roll!"

Uncle Cocktail, an Arkansas fan, contended that Billy Richmond "is going to be a star at Arkansas."

Josh Teeter, a Razorback fan with a large following on X/Twitter, asserted this win cements the Hogs' place in the NCAA Tournament.