John Calipari's first official game as Arkansas's head coach went according to plan, as Arkansas beat Lipscomb 76-60.
The Razorbacks started slow on offense, going 4-16 in the first 10 minutes, with the Bison keeping the pace. But the Hogs knocked down 12 of their last 17 shots and finished the half averaging over 50 percent from the floor. The difference was Arkansas's defense.
Arkansas forced 11 Lipscomb turnovers with eight steals in the first 20 minutes, capitalizing offensively for 14 points. The Bison only made four points off Arkansas turnovers in the first half, but the final tally was respectable, with Arkansas finishing with 25 and Lipscomb 13.
Adou Thiero and Trevon Brazile were on fire tonight. They each had multiple steals (3 and 2, respectively), but the effort both left on the floor tonight was spectacular. They dove for balls, affected shots, and were menaces for 40 minutes. Brazile is the only returning player from last year's Razorback squad. Although his role has diminished coming off the bench, he's never played harder, especially on defense.
Thiero is as gifted as they come. Just look at the highlight below. With the game all but over, he's still looking to make the extra play. He has a high motor to go along with his natural abilities, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he took over a game a time or two.
Don't mind if Adou pic.twitter.com/oN9Qqke7Vf
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) November 7, 2024
The freshman phenom Boogie Fland had an outstanding opening night. He hit seven of his 18 shots and finished with 17 points and three assists. One problem that is starting to reveal itself is Fland's three-point shooting.
He has a great stroke and doesn't take bad shots, but he just hasn't landed them — tonight or the past two exhibition games. One for eight isn't pretty, but as a freshman as good as he is, he's bound to start landing. That's likely why Calipari hasn't shortened the leash, but if it doesn't improve soon, Fland would need to cut those attempts in half.
Overall, it was a solid night for the hardwood Hogs. Their next game is on Saturday, November 9, at 6:30 p.m. against No. 8 Baylor. The Bears looked like a tough road game for the Razorbacks, but after their 101-63 loss to Gonzaga, Baylor was exposed. We'll see if Calipari can earn his first ranked win as the head Hog.