Reaction: Aggies Couldn't Stop Inevitable in Loss to Razorbacks

Texas A&M couldn't stop Hogs' embracing presence in paint, big effort

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Feb 21, 2024 7:00 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams knew what was coming Tuesday night as his team hosted Arkansas inside Reed Arena. Guard’s driving the lane to draw contact overwhelmed the Aggies with each possession.

The Hogs went blow for blow with a team supposedly in the field as a ten seed, according to Joe Lunardi. In a tough environment, the Hogs pulled out a 78-71 victory.

For the Aggies, its NCAA Tournament aspirations have likely been kissed goodbye. With six victories over quad-one opponents squandered due to not taking care of business against lesser opponents.

Arkansas continues to use the ‘Triple E’ formula of energy, effort and enthusiasm to keep from folding as the season hasn't gone to plan. NCAA Tournament hopes are long away. However, getting hot in the right time can lessen the blow of a horrid conference start.

Makhi Mitchell Stays Hot
There has not been a player be more of a pleasant surprise over the past month than the Hogs' big man. He recorded a career-high in points scored for the second straight game with 22. The 6-foot-10 center's emergence came at the best of times with Arkansas' struggles to defend the paint. Mitchell pulled down 13 rebounds and four huge blocks in the victory.

Effort, Energy and Enthusiasm

The Razorbacks continue to give up easy dribble drives but at a lesser rate than earlier in the season. Texas A&M usually sets the tone inside the paint but were outscored 28-24 by Arkansas. Even though the Aggies outrebounded the Hogs on the offensive boards 20-11, Arkansas still managed to outscore them 19-7 in second chance points which speaks volumes to the effort Musselman wants out of his team.

"Our team was undersized," Musselman said. "A team that was undermanned in a short turnaround on the back to back trip after losing a very difficult game. This team played their hearts out."

Pick and Roll, ISO with Tramon Mark

The Dickinson, Texas native has played some of his biggest minutes this season against the Aggies. Mark scored a career high 35 on January 16 at Bud Walton. Then, goes to Reed Arena and stuffs the stat sheet with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block.

Known as a master of the midrange, Mark dominated the ball in each situation. By keeping the driving lanes open in the second half, he was able to find Mitchell on multiple dump off passes for easy scores.

“Yeah, I mean, we went to a lot of isolations with him at the top of the key,” Musselman said. “I played [Mark] at the point guard position entirely the second half, where he was the primary ball handler. We had other point guards running go screens are in the corner and try to space the floor out and let him go to work and I thought he was phenomenal.”

Down three with the clock ticking, Mark took step back three and one. Dagger to the heart of Aggie fans worldwide.

Early Second Half Foul

With the game being physical as it was, the early 11-4 foul difference in favor of Texas A&M was really weird. Although the Razorbacks ended the game with the victory its 17 second half fouls rewarded the Aggies 25 free throw attempts compared Arkansas’ 20.

Five of Texas A&M’s second half fouls were desperation shoves during the final minute of regulation. Each Razorback that played in the win picked up at least three fouls. Depth has been an issue over the past few games with three players out Tuesday night. An emphasis of playing rugged defense without fouling will be a major focus.

”Yeah, you know, maybe that's what factored into why we lost [at Mississippi State], Musselman said. ”I mean, we had so many guys out down the stretch when we needed basket.”

“So, you know, that's one of the things that we want to continue to get better at defending without fouling,” Musselman said. “But, also trying to create more steals, causing 12 turnovers with seven steals, we've done a good job lately doing that we need to continue.”