At Last, A Win: Arkansas 71, Alabama 59

by Stephen Expat on Jan 16, 2010 5:58 PM CST in Basketball Comment 6 comments

I am traveling this weekend and didn't get to see today's game, so I'm very interested to hear from those that did. But in looking in at the box score, there's a lot to like. Like the double-doubles from Powell, Washington and Fortson. And the fact that the Hogs outrebounded the Tide, 38-25. And that they made 14 of their 18 free throws (78 percent) and held the Tide to a three-point field-goal percentage of only 28 percent.

But most of all, I like the fact that the Hogs will not start off SEC play with another 0-4 mark, like they did last year. Getting that first win early could provide a nice psychological boost.

Here at Arkansas Expats, we have hopes of an 8-8 conference record. For several reasons, that may be a stretch, but when you consider last year and this season's bumpy non-conference ride, we think such a record would provide the program with a healthy dose of momentum heading into next year. Yes, we dare to dream the big dream. And today's win was a big step toward making that dream a reality.

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Big Dream?

I am glad to see the hogs win on any day but since when does a big dream consist of 500 in conference and under 500 for the year? I consider this a disappointment. I hope this team can surprise a few and get on the winning track. We definitely need to raise our standards if we are to be a premiere SEC program.

by Tomahog on Jan 16, 2010 7:14 PM CST reply actions

Tongue in cheek

My “big dream” comment was tongue in cheek. But I do think such a record would be an accomplishment, considering last year’s performance in the SEC and this year’s non-conference struggles.

I’m not saying that such a record is what the program should shoot for year after year. We all hope for the day when such a mark is a disappointment. But the season has to be looked at in context, and we have to be realistic about how much the squad can improve in a given time frame. A .500 conference record would represent meaningful improvement, IMHO.

Arkansas Expats: Calling the Hogs from points way yonder.

by Stephen Expat on Jan 17, 2010 9:57 AM CST up reply actions

Some scattered thoughts

Washington appears to have regained his form of last year, IMHO he was the Player of the Game, with a double-double and taking four charges.

Powell, who led Arkansas in scoring and also had a double-double, continues to impress. He and Washington were the big two for the Hogs in this game, and the Hogs outrebounded Alabama 40-27.

Fortson still shoots too much, but he played much better in the second half, more than reversing his assist to turnover ratio from the first half.

Britt — who started — was solid defensively, and Clarke had a solid offensive game.

Welsh only played eight minutes and Arkansas won by 12. Coincidence? I think not.

Alabama neglected to take the magic three-point shooting beans and their lack of guard play was a big difference in the game.

by Whit E. Knight on Jan 16, 2010 10:16 PM CST reply actions

And I forgot to mention

It was the second straight game where the Hogs outscored their opponents big-time in the second half, a welcome change from earlier in the season.

by Whit E. Knight on Jan 16, 2010 10:21 PM CST up reply actions

Great post

I was going to offer my thoughts, but Whit really said it all.

I just hope we can keep it going.

by Sue E. Pig on Jan 17, 2010 7:54 PM CST up reply actions

well said

Your analysis was spot on Whit E. My favorite play was the behind the back dribble by Rot, followed by the assist to Big Mike for the slam dunk. There were a number of highlight reel plays in todays game.

by omahahog on Jan 16, 2010 10:54 PM CST reply actions