FAYETTEVILLE — Mike Anderson recaps Arkansas' win over Oklahoma State and looks ahead to tomorrow's game at Texas A&M:
Mike Anderson
-We're almost at the midway point. I'm looking forward to a game that's going to be highly anticipated. They shoot it and go get it, kind of like Georgia.
-It's the same team from last year, but they've added some good talent at the guard positions. They haven't had everyone together until recently.
-We've got to play a lot better even than we did in the last game. We have to keep them off the boards. Keeping them off the glass, and knocking down free throws will be critical in this one.
-A&M has had a lot of guys in and out. Now they're starting to piece it back together. When you've got newcomers, and newcomers that are guards it can take time. I'm sure they're finding their chemistry and team roles. They've got a couple of big double-double threats.
-We know our league is really, really good. You don't come out and play right away you can really get beat.
-On the slow starts: We can't come out on our heels. We have to come back and fight back. We have to establish the inside and then work our way out. We know the game is 40 minutes. We need to come out more aggressive I think.
-On Dustin Thomas: Saturday was his best game. He played efficient basketball, and I love to see him do even more against the middle of the zone. He's being real active defensively and rebounding the basketball. As a coach, you want consistency from guys.
-On Jaylen's technical on Saturday: I don't even want to talk about it. I'm doing an investigation on it.
-Arlando came in and played some good minutes. Starting to me is not like it is with you guys. You think starting is the big thing, but guys just want the playing time. Hopefully Adrio can bring some energy and athleticism at A&M.
-I'm hoping the tip-in late against Oklahoma State can boost him moving forward. He came in the game and captured that moment. Guys are doubling him now, and he's got to be a willing passer. We have to establish him, whether on the screen and roll, transition or halfcourt.
-I'm happy for Daryl. He's playing some of his better basketball, and he's doing more than just scoring. He's playing team basketball, rebounding and assisting at a high level. He's embracing the moment when some guys would shy away from it. I still think he can play better than what he's playing right now.
-Trey has always had a knack for using his size to create space and rebound the ball. One thing I've been talking to him about is grabbing rebounds with both hands. Trey is really playing well, and he's leading the guys on the floor and making plays.
-Billy Kennedy is going to have his guys prepared. We can't play a halfcourt game, and have to be able to disrupt them. It's going to be a tough game, but a great opportunity to go get another road win.
-Kudos to all the coaches in the league for a win in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Each year it's gotten better. That says a lot about the commitment and what coaches are doing in this league. It gives us a chance to stick our chest out a little bit.
-We didn't panic late against Georgia and took advantage of our strengths. I thought our experience and being poised was big. We have to get some other guys to step up, too. It can't just be Daryl and Jaylen. The thing I like about it is the defensive mindset right now. We're really wanting to stop people.