ESPN.com: Arkansas 72, Stephen F. Austin 69
Mike Washington scored a season-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Arkansas held off Stephen F. Austin 72-69 Saturday.
Also:
- ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Razorbacks rally to preserve streak, Game Stats, Razorbacks down Lumberjacks (Video), Post-game Comments (Video)
- Brandon Marcello: Healthy Washington turns loose, leads Hogs in win
- Chris Bahn: Razorbacks Follow Lead of Experienced Players Against Stephen F. Austin
- Robbie Neiswanger: Healthy Washington Lifts Razorbacks, Clarke Back in Action
Combined record of the next five Razorback basketball opponents (Missouri State, Baylor, Alabama-Birmingham, Texas, Mississippi State) is 47-4.
Enjoy this win…there may be an ugly four week stretch ahead.
Postgame, Pelphrey called this a "big win." It's a sad day when beating SFA is a big win. But it was a big win, if only because it would've been a HUGE loss.
There have been a few times over the decades when I have pulled for a Razorback opponent, because the Hogs were playing so badly or because I hoped a loss would hasten the departure of our coach (see HDN). Toward the end of the first half of the SFA game I had some of those feelings. But I was glad the Hogs rallied in the second half to pull out the win.
As Tipster suggests, much frustration probably lies ahead. If it gets bad, I would rather tune it out than pull for our opponents. I don't know what to think about Pelphrey, but my feelings toward him now are not good.
I'm not the biggest Courtney Fortson fan around, but I'm ready to see what he can add to this year's team. If he comes back with his head on right, and Washington's back and Rotnei's knee hold up, then maybe the Hogs can do OK the rest of the way. That's what my heart says, anyway. My head says they will be lucky to win four more games this season.
I agree, Stephen. There's a lot of ?s surrouding Courtney's return.
If he comes back with a new attitude, Washington stays healthy, Clarke get's healthy and Sanchez somehow pulls through his foot ailments, we may actually look like a team capable of competing in the SEC.
I'm not holding my breath though. Even if Sanchez did make it back into the playing rotation, he wouldn't be conditioned enough for the SEC, but
i'm hoping at least the 1st 3 players I mentioned are capable of playing at full strength the rest of the season.
I'm just glad Washington finally showed up. In order for this team to compete with ANYONE, he's got to play at an All SEC level. I really expected him to be a beast this year. He's got to keep being agressive and lead this team.
This game was painful to watch. I have coached some backetball and the Hogs, at times, seemed confused as to what they were supposed to be doing. The Hogs need some inside muscle. Why didn't Pelphry recruit some big bodies to help Washington inside? Washington is playing somewhat tentatively on defense to stay out of foul trouble and the opposition seems to know it considering the number of times they went inside. I have no idea what the Hogs can do to improve. Washington and Clarke with a two man give and go seems to work well. Perhaps more of it and with other players other than Clarke and with good screens.