NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When Vanderbilt roared out to a 25-4 lead over Arkansas back on Feb. 7 in a Commodores win at Bud Walton Arena, it was beginning to look like the Razorbacks’ NCAA Tournament hopes were all but gone.
That poor start led to a third loss in four games for Arkansas, which fell to 17-7 at the time. With no quality wins to point toward, fans were grumbling that the Razorbacks were about to miss out on the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in nine season.
In an ironic twist, Arkansas opened the first half on a 9-0 run and the second half on a 28-6 run to eliminate Vanderbilt in their hometown Saturday with a 76-62 win at the SEC Tournament.
The Razorbacks (26-8) now are safely in the NCAA Tournament field, but could land an automatic bid Sunday with a win over Kentucky (28-6) in the SEC Tournament final.
“People had us dead and buried and everyone was doubting us,” Arkansas junior guard Anton Beard said. “But we just stayed together and look at where we are now.”
The Razorbacks reached the 25-win mark this season for only the second time in the past 19 years. The only other team to do was the one two years ago, which lost to Kentucky in the SEC Tournament title game.
“I cautioned the fans, I cautioned everybody, they will change before your eyes and hopefully be playing some of our best basketball in late February and into March,” Arkansas coach Mike Anderson said. “And I guess it’s starting to take place and I think is a tribute to our guys trusting one another and working hard each and every day.”
Arkansas enters this game against Kentucky as one of the nation's hottest teams. The Razorbacks have won eight of their nine games since that February loss to Vanderbilt.
Perhaps none of the wins were more impressive than the latest. The Commodores (19-15) likely are in the NCAA Tournament field by virtue of a strong close to the season, including two wins over Florida in the past week.
“What a tremendous effort, a team win,” Anderson said. “We came out and got off to a great start against a Vanderbilt team that was probably one of the hottest teams in the country.
“But we knew we had to do it with our defense, and of course, this is their third game in three days.”
The normally sharp-shooting Commodores were anything but that Saturday. Vanderbilt was only 17-of-56 from the field, 8-of-31 from 3-point range.
Vandy was scoreless the first six minutes of the opening half and the first five minutes of the second half.
“We figured we had to come out and really make the game chaotic for them and of course, they didn’t make shots,” Anderson said. “Our defense was really good, especially starting off in the second half.”
Jaylen Barford had 18 points to lead a balanced Arkansas attack with Dusty Hannahs adding 16, Daryl Macon 15, Moses Kingsley 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Arkansas made 32 of 67 field goal attempt of was 5-of-17 from 3-point range.
“I thought Arkansas was outstanding today,” Vanderbilt coach Bryce Drew said. “The best I have seen them all year. Mike has done a great job. They’re on a great streak right now. Playing really, really good basketball.”
Arkansas opened Saturday’s game with a 9-0 lead as Vanderbilt missed its first nine field goal attempts. The Commodores briefly led, but the Razorbacks were in control throughout and were ahead 35-31 at halftime.
The lead ballooned when Macon, Hannahs and Manny Watkins all buried 3-pointers and Arkansas grabbed a 56-35 advantage with 12:55 left.
Arkansas led by as many as 27 points on Trey Thompson’s dunk to put Arkansas up 68-41 with 6:55 left.
“We knew if we came out the second half would be our half if we just kept running and executing,” Hannahs said. “We started off the half with a basketball and Moses had a dunk the next possession. We fed off of it and got stops and ultimately that was what propelled us to the win.”
The Commodores found some life late and scored 13 straight points to cut it to 70-57 with 1:55 left, but could get no closer.
“Fatigue was a big factor for us like emotionally and jus physically from the past three days,” Vanderbilt guard Joe Toye said. “But I think it was a good way to end the game. We didn’t just give up. We kept fighting.”
“I’m very proud of this team and hopefully tomorrow we’re very happy.”