Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

by Stephen Expat on Nov 18, 2007 7:29 PM CST in Arkansas Razorback Basketball

Of course, it isn't great. But, there's really no use getting worked up one way or another about the basketball Razorbacks at this point in the season, especially with a team trying to get used to a new coach and a new style of play. I imagine the early going will be something of a roller coaster ride for Pelphrey & Co.

I didn't get to see any of the Puerto Rico games, for which I was particularly grateful on Friday. As for today's game, I'm guessing that the stat line Hog fans turned to first was the turnovers. After Friday's record-setting debacle, Arkansas clocked in with "only" 17 and continued their strong board work, hauling in 36 rebounds to Virginia Commonwealth's 23. It's nice to see that Sonny Weems turned in such a strong effort (16 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists), and although Patrick Beverley notched a, for him, ho-hum 13 points, the 6'1'' guard did collect 6 rebounds. Pretty impressive.

The team is off until Saturday, when they will take on Delaware State in Fayetteville. After that, on Wednesday, Nov. 28, Mike Anderson and Mizzou come to town.

For those that got to see any or all of this weekend's games, please share your impressions in the comments section.

And on a closing note, check out this Rivals.com article on Patrick Beverley.

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The first game was sloppy, but the Hogs had too much ability for College of Charleston. Weems, after a bad first half, was what we expect him to be in the second haf.

Against Providence the next night, they looked slow and out of sync. Providence was much quicker to the ball, snaring rebounds while outnumbered and getting to all the loose balls. And Arkansas fumbled the ball and threw it away a bunch. They had more turnovers than made shots. It was a team effort, everyone looked bad.

VCU was another team that couldn’t match up with the Hogs, who looked just good enough to win. Arkansas is still playing below its skill level, just like under Heath. But Pelphrey has a fire that Heath didn’t. He also demonstrated in this game that he is a far superior bench coach to Heath.

I have pretty much given up on Ervin, who scored 12 points but had a total of one assist in 27 minutes. Welsh started at point guard, but that is not his position. Unless Britt can develop this year, Pelphrey may be forced to move Beverly to point guard, which probably would be his NBA position anyway, and Weems to off guard, with Thomas, Hill and either Townes, Washingon or Hunter up front.

by Whit E. Knight on Nov 18, 2007 9:11 PM CST reply actions