Hogs get offensive on boards

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas outrebounded Missouri State 42-30 on Monday night, which is not all that surprising considering the Hogs had a considerable size advantage over the Bears.

But it was Arkansas’ 17-10 advantage in offensive rebounds, which led to Arkansas scoring 19 secondchance points, that was a key to its 70-51 victory.

“I thought the difference in the game no question, if, ands or buts was the 17 offensive rebounds,” Bears Coach Barry Hinson said.

Seven Razorbacks got into the act, including guards Patrick Beverley and Gary Ervin, who had two offensive rebounds each.

ADVERTISEMENT

Senior center Steven Hill said it was not surprising that Arkansas outrebounded Missouri State, but he was impressed with how the Razorbacks did it.

“We had a lot of guys in there getting a lot of loose balls and giving us second chance opportunities,” said Hill, who had two of the offensive rebounds.

Coach John Pelphrey said he was happy to see Ervin and Beverley hanging tough inside for their rebounds and baskets in traffic. Ervin, 6-0, rebounded a missed shot and scored while being fouled at the 4: 04 mark of the first half. Dubbed for sound

Sophomore forward Michael Washington scored 12 points and had 12 rebounds, finishing with at least 10 points and 10 rebounds for the first time in his Razorbacks career.

“He did a great job, and that’s something that he’s capable of doing night in and night out,” guard Gary Ervin said of Washington. “We call him Mr. Double Double.”

Washington has had backto-back strong outings. In 38 minutes against Missouri State and Oral Roberts, Washington has scored a combined 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting with 19 rebounds and 5 blocks.

“I’m just here what do to what I’ve got to do,” Washington said. “You do simple things like box out and you get that.”

Grand opening Arkansas will be Missouri State’s opponent when the Bears open their newest arena named for Springfield benefactor John Q. Hammons. The Razorbacks and Bears will play the finale of a 2-for-1 series when the 11, 000-seat JQH Arena opens in November, 2008. It will not be the first time Arkansas has helped Missouri State open a new arena. On Dec. 12, 1976, the Razorbacks christened the Hammons Student Center, which is in its final season as Missouri State’s home floor. Getting Arkansas to come to Springfield is something of a coup for Missouri State, finds it difficult to entice power conference teams to make return trips to Springfield.

“It shows the graciousness of [Arkansas Athletic Director ] Frank Broyles,” Bears Coach Barry Hinson said. “I do think that says a lot. It’s a kind gesture on their part. We do struggle with trying to get people coming in. Certainly it will be a monumental game.” Cline done for year

Missouri State freshman forward David Cline of Shiloh Christian High School is not appearing on the Bears’ roster. He is suspended for the season after being arrested for allegedly stealing photography equipment in the fall.

The Bears reinstated two other players involved in the incident but not charged: Freshman guard Lamont Austin and junior guard Chris Cooks. Both played Monday, with Cooks finishing with 11 points. Austin did not score. Show me the W’s

Arkansas is 2-0 this season against teams from Steven Hill’s home state of Missouri.

Hill was a nonfactor in Arkansas’ 94-91 victory against Missouri last Wednesday, but he played a season-high 24 minutes against Missouri State on Monday night, scoring 6 points and adding 4 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.

“Springfield is only about 20 minutes from where I live, so it was good to see the guys,” Hill said. “Nothing like beating the home state.”