Arkansas overcome by uncharacteristic three-point performance from Illinois

The Hogs had a chance to showcase the team on the national stage for the second time this season. But the fighting Illini were too much for the Razorbacks.

Arkansas never caught its breath after Illinois' initial 11-0 run. Three of the Illini's first four baskets came from deep, including two from Tomislav Ivisic — the twin brother of Arkansas's big man, Zovonimir. That would be foreshadowing for the rest of the game.

Illinois averaged 33 percent before the game started, including T. Ivisic's low average of 28 percent. In turn, the Razorbacks gave up a whopping 31 attempts in which Illinois knocked down 15 for 48.4 percent. Ivisic was 6-9.

On the other hand, Arkansas couldn't knock down a pinata today, let alone a three-pointer. The three-point line hasn't been kind to the Razorbacks this season. They rank 125th with an average of 35.4 percent on offense. But against UMES on Monday, the Hogs seemed to have shored up their deep shot. Today proved otherwise, going five of 17 for 29.5.

The schedule doesn't get easier, with the ACC/SEC challenge against Miami coming up on December 3. The Hurricanes are better from deep, averaging 36.3, so hopefully, Arkansas can fix its three-point defense quickly.