ESPN.com: Alabama 73, Arkansas 68
JaMychal Green and Anthony Brock both hit a pair of free throws in the final 14 seconds to help Alabama cap a 73-68 comeback victory over Arkansas on Saturday.
Also:
- ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Streak ends at five, Game Stats
- Razorback Nation (Video): Streak Ends at Five
- ArkansasNews.com: Arkansas Win Streak Ends at Alabama
I'm really hoping that this is a five-steps forward, one-step back, more steps forward kind of game. To lose the game by five when we:
* only attempted 12 FTs
* only made 50% of said FTs
* were out-rebounded 32-30
* allowed Fortson to shoot and shoot and shoot
… well, that's saying something. Can't hide behind a blanket "refs won the game for 'Bama," either — first place teams find ways to win even in those times.
Keep on fighting, Hogs!
I think they just ran out of game. Definitely, outplayed in the 2nd half. Too bad as this was definitely a game we needed to win.
To misquote Mark Twain: This disappoints some and disgusts the rest.
No, seriously, I didn't think the team would ever get this far; perhaps the team didn't think so either. Maybe they just don't know how to handle success and haven't learned how to play with a big lead. At least they should now have the confidence that they can win their division and so get to work on fixing what went wrong down in Tuscaloosa.
This was an SEC road game, not a high school/preseason cup-cake. You said it yourself, you didn't think they could get this far. Now, be thankful for the 5 game win streak, and let's see if they can start another one. The hogs played a competitive game and we are still in control of our own destiny. I like the fact that LSU was very close in their game at Vanderbilt. That suggests that we have a greater chance at the Commadores than I had originally thought.
This was one of those classic games where C. Fortson shows he can hurt you down the stretch of a game, just like he can help you.
We should never go into the finale stretch of a road game without our big men being involved inside.
Didn't Washington and Powell only see the FT line once between them?
Part of that is just life on the road with SEC referees, but the other part of that, you have to put it on C. Fortson.
Let's all hope this was a learning experience for him down the road.
We have to have our big men involved more consistantly. If we had done that in the 'Bama game, we probably win.
I agree Gonzo. The bigs really needed to step up. There were flashes, like the dunks by Powell and Mike, and the HUGE swat Washington had. But despite those few gems, Mike and Powell are going to have to step it up even more to help this team. They need to post up down low more often. Also, Mike has got to stay out of foul trouble, both of them really.
Is anyone else impressed with this Bryant kid? I really love his effort and motor! It doesn't look like he has great size or skill yet, but he really is one of those high energy guys that you like to see off the bench every game. I hope this kid continues to develop so that his skills can match his will, and he may earn some more PT.
You guys are right as usual. I thought our bigs lost focus or composure or something, because they were missing easy shots inside. And, like you say, Fortson ran his unorthodox game when conventional ball was called for with a good lead on the road. To Courtney's credit, there were times he hit open players when they just were not looking for the pass, and they dropped the ball. He has some amazing skills that can help the team when the younger players get used to his uncanny passes.
I'm glad to hear you guys are still upbeat and hopeful that the Hogs can recover and go on to finish a successful season. I'm with you on that.
One more year of this. I don't know if I can stand it. What a waste. It's Houston Nutt all over again. I guess somehow we deserve it.
Dynasties, empires, nations rise and fall as power flows and ebbs. Likewise athletic programs. Who can say whether it is deserved?
A look at the top 25 basketball polls reveals the absence of North Carolina and UCLA, programs with far greater traditions of success than Arkansas. Their ardent fans, if they are anything like Razorbackers, must be writhing in paroxysms of angst because of the state into which their teams have fallen.
If you really can't stand it anymore, I recommend you live where you can play golf every day and that you focus your attention upon mastering the player of that game, if that is your game, and that you quit giving a damn whether some team, especially this one, wins or loses.
The changing fortunes of the Razorbacks through the decades offer countless opportunities to reflect upon the importance of placing strong emotional attachments upon the outcome of sporting events in which you do not participate.
That's probably no help, but I offer it nonetheless.
Nicely done Swineherd.
Golf, if you think this is Houston Nutt again you must not remember what the Houston Nutt situation was about. Drawing a comparison of Nutt and Pelphrey is strange indeed.
Wait until next year. I like my chances. We shall see.