Hogwired.com: Beverley, Weems Key Second-Half Hog Run in Win Over ORU
Arkansas’ Patrick Beverley scored 25 points and the Razorbacks gave coach Stan Heath his 100th career victory in a 68-56 triumph Friday night over Oral Roberts.
Also:
- Hogwired.com: Game Stats (PDF), Post-game Quotes
- ESPN.com: Arkansas 68, Oral Roberts 56
- Ryan Malashock: Hard-Fought 100th
- Jerry L. Reed: Arkansas Swingman Finishes Strong In Latest Win
- Grant Hall: Sutton Gets Cheery Greeting
- Chris Bahn: Slow start, strong finish
- Nate Allen: Late arrivals
- Rainer Sabin: Weems provides spark for Arkansas in victory over ORU
- Terry Wood: Sleepwalking Hogs avoid third loss in a row, Basketball Notes
- Tulsa World: Golden Eagles fall to Arkansas, Caleb counter
Updated 12/23/06 10:50 a.m.
More than sluggish in the first half but they weathered it and almost doubled their first half scoring output in the second half – qualifies as a "finisher"…
Although both Ervin and McCurdy started the game, the "shuffling of the guard" at the point slot – I kinda like it. This has the makings of keeping that duo fresh and on their toes and gaining the experience they need. Can't get hungry if you're already eating. Can't get complacent if you're not in there… Don't hustle and do the job while you're in there – the "other guy" comes in. No longer afraid to do that – Good coaching move.
Glad to see Beverly come off the bench after giving 40 minutes the other night. Probably the only game he's not starting the rest of his tenure at ARkansas. I So Much did not relish him having to play the point and take even more on his young shoulders. He does well to occasionally play through the point creating plays. Folks got spoiled while he made 13 of 15 free throws – two heartfelt groans for the 2 he missed. Now that is a refreshing site to behold.
Ervin played a respectable court game, however missing all 5 of his shots – a couple of those having to be forced because of shaky clock management. Just one turnover for Gary but let's NOT pick up the dribble in the backcourt. Only three points off of McCurdy free throws from the point but there is plenty of potential offense down low and wingside. You would like to see 10 or 12 consistently from the point spot though.
Weems is coming out of his shell and had a couple of explosive dunks on our end of the court that were energy builders for the team and the fans. He seemed to wake EVERYBODY up. I was off MY seat… These guys need that breeding of confidence. He can do this without being too greedy. Hopefully Heath's prodding makes him feel that it's OK to shine… he has to shine.
"Manimal" took the "grin off Green" as I watched him back him all the way down the court after a little tangle between players on the other end. Pretty sure Green got the message and things were less funny after that. It was all Beverly and Weems and Thomas – but that's OK for this one.
I like the fact we played a lot of players early like Washington and McGowan. I think McCurdy plays better when he starts. I think they all play better when they're aggressive and go to the rim. I like the fact they only took 3 Three-pters in the first half. In my opinion that's why we looked so bad in the losses against Missouri and TT is because we took way too many threes and gave up on the inside game too early.
What am I doing… you'd think I really care…
Correction on Ervin's shooting. He actually also hit a couple of free throws and tried a trey. My point was really that 10 or 12 points from that position albeit it may be shared for now would be sweet. Realistically when Townes gets back full strength he'll get his 12 or so and Beverly and Weems and Thomas about the same instead of carrying the full load but the key to that is the movement of the ball from the point position.
10K – we all know you really do care but remember they started BOTH McCurdy and Ervin. They won't consistently play small when Townes gets full strength now will they? I think Ervin would be more mobile and motivated if McCurdy was the starter. At this time neither one can do it cleanly for 40 minutes.