Clarke sets school, SEC records in Hogs' win
Arkansas sophomore Rotnei Clarke hits one of his school-record 13 three-pointers against Alcorn State in the Razorbacks' 130-68 win on Friday night.
Originally published November 13, 2009 at 9:19 p.m., updated November 13, 2009 at 10:15 p.m.
FAYETTEVILLE — Rotnei Clarke had a record night, setting the school and SEC record for 3-pointers in a game Friday as Arkansas defeated Alcorn State in its season opener, 130-68.
Clarke also shattered the school record for points in a game with 51, surpassing Marvin Terry's 47 points scored against SMU in 1973.
"I haven't seen a better shooting performance than that," Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey said. "... That's really, really remarkable."
Clarke also set the Bud Walton Arena scoring record, which was set by Kentucky's Jodie Meeks last season with 45 points. Clarke hit 13 of 17 three-pointers, hitting his first seven attempts in the first half in front of an estimated crowd of 7,713. He had 31 points in the first half as Arkansas took a 71-26 lead.
"In a way, I'm not surprised because we see him shoot so much, work so hard, understand the type of human being he is and he's capable of making shots like that if he gets them," Pelphrey said.
"I just felt like every time I shot it, it was going in tonight," Clarke said. "I guess it was one of those zones I was in and it felt good."
The sophomore, who connected on 39 percent of his three-point attempts last season, set the school and SEC's single-game record for 3-pointers with 5:33 remaining. Al Dillard held the record previously with 12 against Delaware State in 1993.
Arkansas was without five of its players because of disciplinary reasons Friday, including starting point guard Courtney Fortson who was suspended indefinitely by Pelphrey earlier this week. The Razorbacks had only six scholarship players on their bench Friday night due to suspensions and injuries.
Four Razorbacks scored in double figures and two notched double-doubles, including freshman Marshawn Powell who scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to go along with 5 blocks.
Junior guard Jemal Farmer also had a standout debut as a Razorback and scored 28 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and had 6 assists.
"That's an unbelievable night," Pelphrey said. "Too bad your teammate had 51 (points)."
Clarke wasn't the first to abuse Alcorn State's defense. Ohio State's Evan Turner notched a triple-double against the Braves on Monday night with 14 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in a 100-60 win.
For more on this story, read the Saturday edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Comments
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Omahahog says...
I realize it was Alcorn State but the Hogs looked good tonight. All of them. Even the golfer played better than last year. What I saw tonight was unselfish teamwork, defense, and a cohesiveness we didnt' see last hear. Nobles played the point really well for a true freshman. Hopefully, we can Louisville a good game.
November 13, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jsmeda says...
You never know with a team like this. Louisville may be a victim!
November 13, 2009 at 10:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hogfan93 says...
It was a GREAT game, and a team effort. These guys are a nucleus to build a championship team around. Hopefully, the ones left behind last night will get their acts together and become part of it.
November 14, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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