Arkansas 72, Georgia 68
February 3, 2010 at 8:41pm by TipsterHog
Filed under Arkansas Razorbacks, Basketball, Recap
ESPN.com: Arkansas 72, Georgia 68
Courtney Fortson scored 27 points, including five free throws in the last 40 seconds, and Arkansas wiped out a big halftime deficit to beat Georgia 72-68 on Wednesday night.
Also:
- ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Hogs’ rally nets road win and 1st place, Game Stats
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia loses big lead, then the game
- Athens Banner-Herald: Bulldogs making a habit of fading late
This looked like the Hogs of old—-pressure, pressure, pressure and out work, out desire the opponent, some way, some how!
Uh, Pelphrey haters, fyi….the Hogs are tied for 1st in the SEC West, including 2 wins on the road and a SEC winning streak of 3 games. When was the last time that happened?
I’m not a Pelphrey hater nor do I think we need to let him go at this point. I certainly like what I’m seeing as far as results but we need to let the remaining season play out before we jump to judgement.
The Hogs’ defense in the second half was flat out filthy. It was a joy to watch. We even won the rebounding battle!
I lucked out and saw the last 12 minutes of the game. Here’s what I noticed as a huge difference from earlier games — when we controlled the ball on offense and worked it inside, good things happened. When Fortson tried to cram the ball down the lane on his own, it usually didn’t work out too well. Defense was much improved. And it sounded like Pel was using mind tricks at half-time.
Does this mean the Hogs have turned it around? No, not quite yet. But, they’re turning the corner pretty well thus far. Keep in mind that while Georgia isn’t all that (nor are the next two opponents), any road win in the SEC is great.
Hogs have the mo right now. If they keep playing as a team and making smart decisions with the ball, then I’ll be glad to see what they bring to every game.
SG, Georgia beat Tenn and lost to SC by one point..the same SC that beat Kentucky. Don’t let Georgia’s record fool you, they are a good team. And it’s tough to get ANY win on the road in the SEC.
Man, you guys are rough…the Hogs beat the two top teams in the West, have a 3 game winning streak (including 2 on the road – that hasn’t been done in a long time), are tied for 1st in the SEC West, and you still don’t give them much credit? Hope the rest of Razorback nation isn’t representative of the posters on this blog site.
The Hogs have already improved 100% over last year’s SEC performance and have shown they can compete in SEC play. Let’s give them and Pel props for this accomplishment, particularly following a demoralizing beat down at Kentucky.
Soupd, there’s no question that the SEC is competitive, but I did mention that “any road win in the SEC is great.”
Yes, the Hogs have improved a lot over the course of the season — especially in the past 8 games. But, just like how pre-conference play isn’t your whole season, neither is an 8 game stretch. Too many times this year the Hogs have been extremely flat on offense, lazy on defense, out-rebounded, out-hustled, etc. They’ve taken bad shots, made bad passes, and even worse, it didn’t seem like Pel was able to control his team.
After a three-game winning streak (which has doubled their amount of SEC wins from last year), we’re now tied atop the SEC West. I’m very pleased about that. There’s talk though that the SEC, overall, is down again this year. Should we be enthusiastic about our team? Hell yes. Is Hawg Ball back? Not quite.
Like many fans, I want my team to win every single game. But I’m realistic and I know that’s not a likely possibility. Win or lose, I want our team to be competitive and give me the confidence that we COULD beat any team we go up against. I, personally, don’t think we’re at that level yet. And 6 wins (to this point) in the SEC over the past two seasons doesn’t make me think that Pelphrey is the answer … YET.
There’s still a lot of season left and our Razorbacks sure aren’t about to throw in any towel. Nor am I.
And keep in mind, this is my opinion — from afar. I’m not in the practices, the huddles or the game.
Road Hog!
“When Fortson tried to cram the ball down the lane on his own, it usually didn’t work out too well.”
While Fortson’s trips to the hoop can be an adventure and he can lose control, I saw him getting fouled more often than not (I could be wrong on that but…) and it helps our bigs because the opposing defense can’t simply pack it in on them to protect against a pass down low.
I agree, Hawgfan100. This game, Fortson didn’t shoot as much as he had in previous contests and he shot better than usual. And I think you illustrate my point even more when you say that the bigs can’t just pack it in down low — Fortson only had 4 assists last night. Driving to the basket is one thing, drawing defenders and dishing for an easy layup/dunk is another.
The Hogs are improving, there’s no doubt. Let’s hope they keep it up.
The thing I love about March Madness is seeing the well coached teams with good basketball IQ ‘PLAY AS A TEAM.’ Here in football country we think football is the ultimate team sport. In some ways it is. But, for shear beauty, basketball is the ultimate team sport. Seeing five less talented, shorter guys beat five more talented guys simply by passing the ball and working together, almost in unison, is a thing of beauty. Unselfishness is basketball’s best skill.
That is where these hogs need to go next if they wish to be overachievers. That, and great pressure defense. They are an odd collection of players and issues. Stan’s teams never had good chemistry. We’ll see if Pel can build some. They are poised on the brink of competence. You know they have to be hungry. We’ll see if they can take that next step.
Well said GolfHog
Let’s all enjoy the wins while they are here. Let’s also enjoy the VERY noticable improvement in the play of the team. With that said, let’s also remember not to get too high during good times or too low during times of trouble. The HOGS have shown they can be a gritty team and pull off some wins in the SEC. That is a solid foundation for possible good things to come now as well as in the future.
Courtney Fortson may not be the greatest college basketball player in the game, but he has certainly added a new dimension to this Razorback basketball team. How many of our last three victories would have happened without that young man playing in a Razorback uniform? I think probably none of them. BUT…. he is playing in a HOG uniform and playing well.
Again, it’s been a while since HOG basketball fans have had much to cheer about. Let’s be happy and enjoy this ride for as long as our team can let it last!!!!!!!
amen brotha!
I haven’t gotten a chance to post much lately, but I’m proud for the basketball team and Coach John Pelphrey.
He recently made a statement about developing our bench players. That seems to be happening and it’s definately paying off.
U. Nobles is the first one that comes to mind. His defense has made a solid impact as of late.
Also, our FT shooting seems to be coming around much more consistantly and our intensity on the boards seems to have picked up a notch. I sure hope it last.
We have some very winnable games coming up on the schedual at home and I believe we have a shot at doing pretty well the remainder of the season.
Good luck, Razorbacks!!! and WPS!!!