Here’s some of the differences in the University of Arkansas Razorbacks when they play defense, differences in why they won instead of lost to Missouri which led by 13 early and looked like it might blow the Hogs out.
They played defense the way it is supposed to be played. They forced 24 turnovers including 13 steals and converted those into 27 points.
They were unselfish and, led by Jalen Harris with six, had 18 assists. Of the nine players who played, eight had at least one assist.
Twice, players took quick shots that were not in the best interest of the team and both were quickly pulled and were sitting on the bench.
They worked the ball, and when freshman Isiah Joe had an open look he got the ball. He made 7 of 12 threes and was 8-13 total. Joe also had three steals and two assists.
They got the ball inside, mainly to Daniel Gafford who got nine shots and scored 13 points, but the Razorbacks outscored the Tigers 30-16 in the paint.
For the Razorbacks, that’s winning basketball.
Now they have a chance to make a statement. This Saturday they travel to Texas Tech to take on the No. 14 ranked Red Raiders who are led by former University of Arkansas at Little Rock head coach Chris Beard.
Beard has on his staff Glynn Cyprien, a former assistant at Arkansas (and also for Billy Gillispie at Kentucky) and Sean Sutton.
Beard led the Trojans to a 30-5 record and beat Purdue in the NCAA Tournament in the 2016. He’s 90-33 as a head coach on the Division I level.
Of course, the Razorbacks and Red Raiders have a long history dating back to the old Southwest Conference, so the game should be fun and interesting.
Both teams emphasize hard-nosed defense, and for the Razorbacks that is critical.