The question fans have been asking after Arkansas's win over Kentucky has (likely) been answered. No, it wasn't just a fluke. The Hog are turning a corner, beating Texas, 78-70, in the Moody Center.
Tonight, the Razorbacks got out to a blazing start, fueled by their defensive intensity. They were jumping passing lanes, blocking shots, and eliminating easy looks. Despite the efforts of Texas star freshman Tre Johnson, the Razorbacks held the Horns to 24 points in the first half. Even then, Johnson only had seven points, shooting 2-7 from the field.
Ten of Arkansas's 35 points were off of Texas turnovers, but the real difference was the ability to defend the Longhorns that well without fouling. After the first 20 minutes expired, Texas had only attempted three shots from the charity stripe. On the other hand, Arkansas made 13-18, scoring more free throws than Texas had buckets (10). However, it wouldn't stay that way for long.
In the second half, the Longhorns missed their first 12 shots. Unfortunately, the Hogs made up for their lack of fouls in the first half, putting Texas in the bonus four minutes out of the break. If it weren't for the Horns' eight desperation fouls in the last minute and a half, Arkansas would've out-fouled Texas 18-5. While the Hogs were a little less disciplined in the second period, one could argue the referees offered a helping hand down the stretch.
Just got home and turned this game on. Explain to me how this is a foul? He literally loses the ball as he goes up 😂 College basketball officiating has been atrocious every week in every conference @ncaa Texas Longhorns
— Garrett (@BlkBirdXP) February 6, 2025
Arkansas pic.twitter.com/6PwndZucTl
But despite being outnumbered 8-5 on the court, Arkansas weathered a Texas final run and drained its free throws at the end of the game. With Alabama coming to Bud Walton, and coming off a 90-69 thrashing of Georgia and a week off, the Razorbacks awaking couldn't have come at a better time.