Beyond the Box: The Defense Never Rests
Even the most ardent, sunny Razorbacks fan would have to admit that the first 19 minutes of last night’s game at Ole Miss was difficult to watch. Neither team could find any rhythm offensively. The teams combined to score only 21 points in the first 10 minutes. Then they combined for 12 points in the final 76 seconds.
The Rebels kept things going early in the second half, scoring seven straight points before the Arkansas defense went into clamp-down mode. Over the next 13 game minutes the Razorbacks allowed only two field goals and went on a 13-0 run that pretty well sealed the game. The defense from Eric Musselman’s squad was outstanding.
It’s quite the turn of events after an 0-3 SEC start. During that stretch the Hogs allowed 82.3 points-per-game. In the midst of their current 5-game winning streak, they’ve allowed only 57.6ppg. And only once in that stretch did Arkansas allow more than 60 points when they gave up 73 to Texas A&M in an OT win last week.
Let’s go beyond the box score and take a look at some standout performances from last night’s SEC road win in Oxford, Mississippi.
Game of Runs
Jan 26, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard JD Notae (1) shoots for three over Mississippi Rebels guard Austin Crowley (1) as time expired during the first half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
When we think of runs in basketball, the emphasis is typically on the offensive success. But a team can’t go on a run without stellar defense, too. Last night Arkansas held Ole Miss to a combined 7:12 scoreless streak in the first half (between two runs) and 5:48 scores streak in the second half while the Hogs offense reeled of 13 consecutive points.
Shooter!
Jan 26, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Jaylin Williams (10) reacts after making a three pointer during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Jaylin Williams was once again a total force defensively. He played 38 minutes, posting a team best 78.1% stoppage rate and a 93.1 DRtg. And during that time he pulled down more than a quarter of his team’s defensive rebounds.
And now he shoots, too?! JayWill sank 2-of-3 three-pointers in the game.
He is quickly becoming the most dangerous all-around player in the SEC.
Perfection
Jan 26, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trey Wade (3) reacts during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Trey Wade had a night to remember in Oxford. The combo guard/forward had a perfect night from the field, making all five of his shots. Wade’s 3-pointer midway through the second half started Arkansas’s 13-0 run that sealed the victory.
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