Effort, Energy, Enthusiasm Returns to Razorbacks

Hogs ride Khalif Battle, hot offense until bitter end in road loss to Kentucky

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas was opportunistic Saturday during its 111-102 loss to Kentucky. Despite being whistled for 26 fouls. The Razorbacks forced the Wildcats into 15 turnovers, outscoring Kentucky 18-13 in points off turnovers. 

The Hogs haven’t shared the ball well throughout the season averaging just over 11 assists per outing. However, their selfless play resulted in 13 dimes which kept the Wildcats on its toes defensively.

“Not sure I’ve been around a team that played this hard and went 27-of-28 from the foul line,” Musselman said. “We had 10 steals and 13 assists and still came away with a loss but we’re talking about a Kentucky team that can win a national championship.”

When the dust settled after Saturday's loss, the shine of Khalif Battle’s streak of offensive performances remained.

The 6-5 guard remains on a fierce three-game stretch which he has scored 34 or more points. Going into Saturday’s matchup, Kentucky ranked No. 95 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency ratings. That spelled good news for Hogs and Battle being able to play free against the Wildcats.

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Khalif Battle (0) battles against Kentucky Wildcats defenders at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center :: Jordan Prather / USA TODAY Sports

Battle led the Razorbacks from the free throw line sinking 17-of-18 attempts. 

“The 18 free throw attempts, [Battle] did a great job attacking the rim,” Musselman said. “We also missed three lay-ups the last six minutes of the game or there was contact and we missed it.”

Musselman stressed during the postgame that Arkansas planned on running with the Wildcats. The offensive approached worked as the Razorbacks scored nearly at will until the latter stages of the game. 

With six minutes to go, the Hogs remained sizzling hot from the field at 60% but ran out of gas due to foul trouble, missed short runners and costly turnovers.

“A couple of turnovers and baseline out of bounds defense were two areas that I thought changed the complexion of the game. Then, the 42 free throws attempted [by Kentucky] were hard to overcome.”

One positive takeaway at this point of the season is three-point shooting. The Razorbacks continue to improve after knocking down 7-of-17 attempts from deep against Kentucky. The 42% mark is the second time in the past three games which the Razorbacks knocked down 40% of its long ball attempts.

HOGS FEED:

• Dave Van Horn resorting to small-ball with offense struggling at times this year

• What are fans, media saying after Arkansas’ loss to Kentucky?

• Razorbacks put up good fight with emergence of offense finally but not enough against Kentucky

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