Seniors step up
Arkansas' veterans didn't allow this one to slip away.
Daryl Macon finished with 25 points - all in the second half and overtime periods - while Jaylen Barford poured in 24 on his birthday. Macon was unconscious and operating with a bounce in his step in both overtimes, delivering 3 after 3 in crucial moments.
Macon scored Arkansas' final 16 points after Trey Thompson opened the first overtime with a split at the free throw line.
But Barford's play allowed Arkansas to claw back into it after falling behind by 16 with under seven minutes to play in the first half. He essentially carried the offensive load until Macon got going. Barford recorded his third consecutive 20-point game and 14th of his career despite not scoring over the final 17:45 of the game.
Anton Beard knocked down a big-time shot in the final 30 seconds of regulation, too, giving Arkansas a 63-61 lead on a tough, contested midrange jumper. He grabbed four rebounds and handed out a team-high four assists as well. You have to admire the toughness he displayed. It can't be easy to play 38 minutes less than a week removed from an ankle/foot injury.
Dustin Thomas also deserves a hand for his play just days after drawing a DNP against Ole Miss. He added eight points, his most since scoring 10 against CSU Bakersfield on Dec. 27. Arkansas outscored Georgia by 14 points in his 29 minutes. He gave Mike Anderson the toughness and grit he said he was looking for in a big road game.
Aside from the three illegal screens, it was a great night for him.
And then there's Trey Thompson. The big man made the play of the game with two seconds to play in double overtime, blocking Yante Maten's potential game-winning layup. That's just a senior refusing to give up on a play.
Arkansas definitely earned this win. That's the kind of senior leadership Anderson and fans have been clamoring for.
And according to SEC Network analyst Jimmy Dykes, Arkansas improves to 9-1 in its last 10 games decided by one possession.
Dogs get best of Gafford
Daniel Gafford was held scoreless for the first time in his young career on Tuesday, finishing with just three rebounds in 27 minutes.
Yante Maten, Derek Ogbeide and others made life difficult for the freshman with their physicality and length, and essentially neutralized him.
Gafford attempted a season-low three shots in the win, the last coming on the Hogs' opening possession of the second half. I don't envision a repeat performance on Saturday against Oklahoma State, but the Cowboys are a top 50 defense nationally defending the 2-point shot.
Yante Maten
Georgia's big man was as good as advertised against the Hogs. He added a game-high 26 points and 15 rebounds, recording his third straight 25+ point performance in SEC home games.
The senior at times abused Arkansas' bigs battling for post position under the rim and on the offensive glass. Seven of his 15 rebounds came off Bulldogs misses.
Oklahoma State up next
So, Saturday should be interesting.
I'm sure the Razorbacks haven't forgotten the beatdown the Cowboys handed them in Stillwater last season during the Big 12/SEC Challenge. It'll no doubt be a big talking point in the coming days.
Arkansas announced the game as a sellout on Jan. 10, and after coming up with a big road win to push the Hogs back to .500 in league play, Bud Walton Arena should be a madhouse.
The Razorbacks have also incredibly tough to beat at home on Saturdays under Mike Anderson, winning 10 straight and scoring 90+ points in all but two of those wins.
They'll try to push that mark to 40-5 in a few days.