Hogs Inside-Out Game Dominant in Win Over Missouri

Arkansas plays complete game as improvement carries over for second straight game

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Following a collapse against Kentucky, Arkansas provided hope a turnaround was in the cards with a road trip to Missouri. A trend of competing at a high level against the likes of Purdue, North Carolina and Duke was always followed up with dud performances. This team likes to compete, but needed to figure how to translate it into each night.

Fortunately, this game won't cost Eric Musselman too much sleep as they forced Missouri into a season-high 18 turnovers en route to a 91-84 road victory. The Razorbacks were able to pick up their second conference victory of the season in mostly dominant style. Toughness from big men, willingness to rebound from guards and an efficient shooting night from three allowed the Hogs to play arguably their most complete game of the season.

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"I think three-headed bigs have been unbelievable, I really do," Musselman said. "I mean, I think Chandler [Lawson], Jalen [Graham] and Makhi [Mitchell} have been outstanding. Not good but outstanding."

Mitchell turned in his second straight double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Fellow forward Graham scored 13 points, four blocks and one rebound before fouling out with less than four minutes left in the game. Lawson continues to find himself near the basket finishing with six points and three rebounds. Arkansas outscored Missouri 56-30 in the paint with the Tigers often having two players exceeding 7-foot-2 on the floor nearly 22 minutes of game time.

"Jalen is looking at the rim and being super, super aggressive. scoring the basketball," Musselman said. "Four steals, four assists. I mean, Graham offensively was outstanding. Chandler continued to do all the little things and that you don't always find in the box score."

Increased intensity and interest in competing has breathed new life into a team that has experienced the highest of highs, but very low depths this season. Musselman said his team has turned the corner ever so slightly and are finally enjoying themselves. 

“The team had fun tonight," Musselman said. "You could see it. The last 80 minutes we’ve improved as much as any two games we’ve had this year."

Arkansas has been in desperate need of consistent play at center. With a rotation down one player due to a knee injury to Trevon Brazile, it's given Mitchell an opportunity to expand his game as a complete post presence. 

"The last few games [Mitchell's] had a renewed focus," Musselman said. "When he plays like that, he's as good as any center in the country."

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