Arkansas was hit with a dose of reality today. No. 1 Tennessee crushed Arkansas in nearly every aspect, winning 76-52.
For the first five minutes, Arkansas and Tennessee looked evenly matched, if not a slight edge toward the Hogs. But then, Chaz Lanier led the Vols on a 12-0 run and never looked back. When the buzz sounded after the first period, Arkansas went into the locker room down 15 points.
Rebounds were the biggest difference in the game. The Hogs lost that battle, as Vols outworked them on the board by 22 rebounds with an impressive 51 total boards. Tennessee had nearly as many offensive rebounds (24) as Arkansas has total (29).
Tennessee's defense was as good as advertised. Only two Razorbacks scored double-digits, and Arkansas's leading scorer, Adou Thiero, only put up six points.
Arkansas will be back in Fayetteville to take on Ole Miss next week. The Razorbacks can't let this loss affect them going into Wednesday's matchup with the Rebels; They can't afford one loss turning into two with the SEC as strong as it is.