Young's heroics lift Arkansas over Oklahoma

FAYETTEVILLE — After an uncharacteristically quiet night, BJ Young delivered in the clutch Tuesday at Bud Walton Arena.

The sophomore preseason all-American scored four points in the final minute, including two on a runner with 14.7 seconds left to give Arkansas the lead in an 81-78 win over Oklahoma.

Young, who scored 25 points in a loss last Friday to Syracuse, had only 10 points against the Sooners. Marshawn Powell led Arkansas with a career-high 33 points, including a pair of free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining.

Arkansas fell behind early, but used a 9-2 run to take control for much of the game. Powell had 19 points in the first half, helping the team to a 41-38 lead at the intermission.

Powell, who had 19 points against the Orange, eclipsed his previous career-best point total set as a true freshman. The redshirt junior became the first Arkansas player this year to score 30 or more points.

Arkansas extended its lead to 51-40 on back-to-back 3-point baskets by Mardracus Wade with 16:52 to play. After struggling from beyond the arc all season, the Razorbacks connected on 9 of 22 attempts, including four makes by Powell.

The Sooners chiseled away at the the Razorbacks' lead, but didn't go ahead until Steven Pledger's second consecutive trey gave Oklahoma a 78-77 advantage with 22 seconds remaining - their first lead since the game's opening minutes.

Pledger finished with 12 points. Romero Osby led Oklahoma (6-2) with 22 points off the bench and Amath M'Baye added 14.

The Razorbacks (4-3) snapped a three-game losing streak, recording their first win during a five-game stretch that also includes Arizona State, Wisconsin, Syracuse and Michigan. Arkansas will face the No. 3 Wolverines on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich.