After ten games, Arkansas is finally starting to gel as a team. The Hogs played their most complete game of the season against No. 14 Michigan, beating the Wolverines 89-87.
After falling behind by 15 points, the Razorbacks battled back to within four at halftime and did it with defense. Arkansas lives and dies in transition. It's been that way since the exhibition game against Kansas. The intensity picked up after going down early, and it never slowed down. Arkansas turned Michigan's 17 turnovers into 21 points while holding the Wolverines to 17.
It catapulted the Razorbacks to an 18-point lead, a 33-point swing, but Michigan fought back to within one with 1:28 left. Of course, defense saved the day once again. Arkansas held Michigan scoreless for the rest of the game, including a game-saving block from Trevon Brazile.
Big plays on the big stage pic.twitter.com/MWRk7fLPi0
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) December 11, 2024
Five Razorbacks recorded double-digits, with freshman phenom Boogie Fland's 20-point performance leading the way. While the scoring frenzy was exciting, Arkansas's frontcourt looked leaps and bounds better than most of the season.
Zvonimir Ivisic has been the only healthy big this season, but after missing the game against UTSA with an injury, Jonas Aidoo and Brazile have stepped up. Combined, the pair had 26 points, 13 boards, five steals, and three blocks. Plus, they altered many more shots.
Arkansas has three more tune-up games before it starts conference play on January 4. The Hogs will travel to Knoxville to take on the red-hot, undefeated Volunteers. Tennessee played Miami the game before Arkansas's today, beating the Hurricanes 75-62.