Arkansas was plagued by shooting woes and defensive lapses, losing to Ole Miss 73-66.
The Hogs started the game on an uncharacteristic hot start, leading the Rebels 27-18 after the first 13 minutes. Johnell Davis was the catalyst during that stretch scoring 11 points including three three-pointers. Then, it went downhill from there.
The offense stalled and went into a scoring drought that lasted over three minutes. The Razorbacks couldn't buy a bucket in the final seven minutes of the half only scoring two baskets. The defense has been a strength for most of the season, but they also started to break down, giving up open looks and easy shots. The Rebels tied up the game 33-33 heading into halftime.
The struggles continued in the second half. The offense looked dysfunctional and never gained rhythm. They shot 31% from the field and 9.1% from three along with a mere three assists. The defense wasn't any better, allowing Ole Miss to shoot 52.2% from the field and 45.5% from three. Defensive intensity, communication, and awareness were inconsistent, and Ole Miss took advantage.
There were a couple of bright spots in this game. Rebounding got back on track as the Razorbacks had 35 rebounds. In his second game back, Johnell Davis got into a rhythm early and looks to continue his progression. Free throws have been an issue this season, but Arkansas shot 14 of 17 in the second half, which was one reason they stayed in the game.
Arkansas will play Florida at home on Saturday, January 11th. The 8th-ranked Gators dominated Tennessee by 30 points in their last game, a team the Hogs lost to by 24 last weekend. It will be another tough matchup at home.