After weathering the storm the Pacific Tigers caused on Monday, November 18, 2024, winning 91-72 in Bud Walton Arena, the No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks 4-1 (0-0 SEC) faced an in-state opponent, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) Trojans 3-3 (0-0 OVC), on Friday, November 22, 2024, ready to challenge the Hogs.
The Razorbacks dominated the Trojans in the first half, carrying a 42-24 lead into halftime, as reported by ESPN. However, UALR had a better second half than Arkansas: the Trojans outscored the Razorbacks in the second half, 43-37. Even though the Trojans’ valiant effort forced the Hogs to defend their home court down to the final seconds on the clock, the Hogs' superior talent allowed them to stop the attempt to upset them, which, to be clear, the Trojans were never close to doing.
Arkansas defeated UALR 79-67. Injuries prevented Jonas Aidoo and Trevon Brazile from playing. Just as the injuries and the Hogs’ performance against Pacific raised many concerns, social media reactions after Arkansas defeated UALR reveal many still have deep concerns.
Social Media Reactions: Arkansas basketball vs UALR
Jackson Collier, Arkansas basketball and recruiting journalist at Hawg Beat, stated, “Some concerning trends developing. Can address those later.” He emphasized how critical it is for the team to “get healthy.” Collier was happy to see the team play quality defense against a team that can shoot three-pointers well.
FINAL: Arkansas 79, Little Rock 67
— JC Hoops (@JacksonCollier) November 23, 2024
Hogs started hot and stayed hot for the first half, and faded most of the second.
Some concerning trends developing. Can address those later. For now, the Hogs are 4-1, held a good 3P team under 30%, and need to get healthy. #wps
Riley McFerran, Managing Editor at Hawg Beat, was impressed with Adou Thiero’s performance against UALR.
My word, Adou Thiero. He is HIM.
— Riley McFerran (@RileyMcFerran) November 23, 2024
Daniel Fair, an Arkansas basketball journalist at Hawg Beat, appreciated the win but found that the game exposed several weaknesses Arkansas must address.
A win is a win, but there were some not great things I saw in Arkansas' win over Little Rock on Friday.
— Daniel Fair (@DanFair88) November 23, 2024
My takeaways from the game.https://t.co/DhpqAnbkaU #WPS
Jacob Davis, an Arkansas Razorbacks beat writer at Sports Illustrated, highlighted Johnell Davis's struggles with shooting the ball.
Gotta feel for Johnell Davis. Dude has such a pure shot but it’s not falling for some reason. Feels like if he can string a few together that scorer’s tough will return.
— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) November 23, 2024
Good to see DJ & Boogie as threats from deep! Hogs rolling over LR 39-17 with 3:20 left in first half.
Kevin McPherson, basketball and recruiting journalist at Hogville, argued that UALR is a “worthy in-state D1 foe.”
GAME STORY: No. 20 Arkansas holds off worthy in-state D1 foe Little Rock, 79-67, on Fri @ BWA for 3rd consecutive win ... next up for Hoop Hogs (4-1) is 4th straight home game as Maryland-Eastern Shore comes to Fayetteville on Mon
— Kevin McPherson (@ARHoopScoop) November 23, 2024
FREE article @ Hogville: https://t.co/Rf4PnSvONh pic.twitter.com/yrLqNxEjpr
Austin Farmer, Arkansas Razorbacks beat writer and Site Expert for FanSided’s Razorbackers, asserted that the Hogs’ “depth” issues might cause the team serious problems as the season progresses.
I'm afraid the depth might be a big problem in the future.https://t.co/RYIlPj6OAm
— Austin Farmer (@FarmersaurusRex) November 23, 2024
The Arkansas Razorbacks will return to Bud Walton Arena on Monday, November 25, 2024, to face the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Hawks.