Mitchell Gets Praise From Musselman, Teammates

Makhi Mitchell's very efficient outing without any really big numbers.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas picked up an 86-68 victory over Gardner-Webb on Friday night in front of a sold out Bud Walton Arena crowd, but it was a rough start against a very potent Bulldogs offense. Makhi Mitchell made one of his solid plays that got it started.

The Razorbacks didn’t take the lead until the 11:30 mark during the first half. Mitchell assisted on a made basket by Tramon Mark which started a productive night by the former Rhode Island transfer.

Coach Eric Musselman likes to have his offense rotate fluidly at the elbow. Mitchell plays that role well as more of a facilitating big man. He assisted on only two made Razorback baskets against Gardner-Webb but Arkansas’ offense became more efficient with Mitchell on the court.

"[Mitchell] impacts our team in many ways,” Ellis said. “In our flash game, he really sets a tone with catching at the elbow."

Consistency from leaders is an important piece of Musselman’s history as a coach. A hallmark of his teams are maturity and experience which benefits them going into postseason play. Mitchell is a steady hand and important to the success of the Razorbacks.

 "[Mitchell] going to go out there and do the same thing every time,” Trevon Brazile said. “It really just matters how much he's out there. He's very consistent."

Arkansas recorded 15 blocks against Gardner-Webb on Friday. That total the most by a Razorback team since the 1995-1996 team had 18 against Missouri. After a tough first game by Mitchell, he rebounded well by being a rim protector on nearly every possession—recording four blocks on the night.. The Bulldogs connected on 39 percent of paint shots.

 "[Mitchell] passed the ball well,” Musselman said. “He played within himself, did a good job of protecting the rim."

HOGS FEED:

SLOW START DOESN'T STOP RAZORBACKS FROM BIG FINISH TO DOWN GARDNER-WEBB

RAZORBACKS' TIGHT END DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE RETURNING TO ACTION THIS SEASON

BEHIND ENEMY LINES: AUBURN REPORTER ON WHERE THINGS ARE WITH TIGERS HEADING TO FAYETTEVILLE

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