FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson faced multiple questions about BJ Young’s offensive struggles, Anthlon Bell’s lack of playing time and the Razorbacks’ spate of turnovers in their 65-60 loss at LSU during his news conference Thursday.
Anderson wanted to address something else.
“Our biggest deal last night was defense,” Anderson said while taking the blame for Bell playing only three minutes against LSU after the freshman made 9 of 18 three pointers and scored 31 points in the two previous games. “Everybody thinks about shooting and all that. It was about defense, especially in the first half.”
The Razorbacks couldn’t contain LSU guard Charles Carmouche, allowed LSU to shoot 7 of 15 from behind the three-point line, were out rebounded 21-17 and allowed a 17-2 run by the Tigers, whose 45-32 lead at halftime represented the most points Arkansas has given up in a first half this season.
“We dug a hole because of our defense,” Anderson said. “They had wide-open shots.”
“They made a lot of three pointers, but our defense, to be honest with you, allowed them to do what they wanted to do, which was drive and kick and make open shots,” Arkansas forward Marshawn Powell said.
Arkansas played much better defense in the second half, limiting LSU to 20 points, 29.4 percent shooting and an 0-for-3 performance from behind the three-point line, but the Razorbacks couldn’t get any closer than two points while falling to 1-10 outside the state.
Now, with only three games remaining in the regular season and Arkansas’ shot at marquee victories dwindling, the Razorbacks (17-11, 8-7 SEC) must prepare for defending national champion Kentucky (20-8, 11-4), which has won three consecutive games and appears to be on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble.
“It’s a big game,” Anderson said. “There’s no question about it, it’s a huge game.”
Kentucky has bounced back to win three consecutive games after losing Nerlens Noel for the season with a knee injury and suffering an 88-58 loss at Tennessee in its first game without the shot blocking freshman.
“What I’m trying to dowith our team is stay in the moment,” Calipari said.
Calipari said the Wildcats have put more emphasis on opening up the court because their don’t shoot well from behind the three-point line.
“It gives us lanes to the rim for layups,” Calipari said after Wednesday’s 85-55 victory over Mississippi State. “Defensively … instead of funneling everything to Nerlens or Anthony Davis, which is how we played, now we’re playing more conventional defense on the ball, trying to take more charges and play that way.”
Kentucky has six players - including Noel - averaging at least 10 points a game, led by freshman Archie Goodwin (Sylvan Hills), who is averaging 13.8 a game. Willie Cauley-Stein, who has absorbed many of Noel’s minutes, is averaging 8.2 points per game.
“I think they’re getting over the initial shock of not having Noel in their lineup,” Anderson said. “They’re a balanced team … and I think they’re starting to hit their stride at the right time.”
Young’s struggles include 2-of-19 shooting in the past two games and nine turnovers. He is shooting 41.3 percent in conference play, including 18.9 percent from behind the three-point line.
“I think BJ puts a lot of pressure on himself to try to make plays,” Anderson said. “He’s been making plays all his life. I think there are times when you’ve got to defer and trust other guys.”
Anderson admitted that Bell probably should have seen more than just three minutes.
“I probably screwed that up more than anything else,” Anderson said. “He’s been playing with a lot more confidence. … You’ll see him in the lineup.”
Up next KENTUCKY AT ARKANSAS WHEN 3 p.m.
WHERE Walton Arena, Fayetteville RECORDS Arkansas 17-11, 8-7 SEC; Kentucky 20-8, 11-4 TV CBS
Sports, Pages 26 on 03/01/2013