Razorbacks Duo Are Answers to Important Role for Success

Tramon Mark, El Ellis, Khalif Battle come up big in final moments of second half and OT

Author:
Jacob Davis
Updated:
Oct 30, 2023 8:18 AM EDT
Original:
Oct 29, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It's not unreasonable to expect there to not be much to really grab from an exhibition game that doesn't impact the NET ranking, RPI or overall record. Yet, Arkansas coach Eric Musselman found out early who he can trust with the ball and the clock winding down.

There has been a shortage of players over the past couple of years capable of creating for themselves. This might not be as much of a concern for Musselman this season.

It was apparent from the onset where the offense will be run through — the guards. Three-point shooting has not been a strength recently, either, which is why it was a welcome added dimension Saturday. In the second half and overtime, the Razorbacks shot 43 percent from three and 76 percent from the free throw line.

Houston transfer Tramon Mark proved to be the under-appreciated offensive weapon that he is scoring 13 of his 15 points in the second half. His three-point dagger with 22 seconds left in the second half tied Purdue at 69 to force overtime. The 6-5, 180-pound guard apparently saves his best for big games . He scored a surprising 26 points and pulled in nine rebounds in a 81-64 second round rout of Auburn in the NCAA Tournament. To go along with his scoring, Mark forced the Boilermakers into a steal, recording four assists and blocking two shots.

"I think I just simply wanted the ball in that situation," Mark said. "In tight games, I want the ball in my hands, and I was able to close down the stretch."

El Ellis was a steady hand for Arkansas on Saturday as he scored 12 points and five rebounds against the Boilermakers. The Louisville transfer recorded 15 points and five rebounds in 27 minutes. Ellis displayed his playmaking ability from his time with the Cardinals pulling up from midrange, coming off screens for baskets and driving down the lane.

While going cold in the second half, the 6-foot-3, 175 pounder that Musselman considers their point guard, found his game again in overtime on back-to-back shots on dribble drives, extending the Razorback lead to three two minutes remaining.

While there was a shortage of closers last season, Musselman made emphasis on carving out that role this year.

"We work on special situations so much during the summer," Musselman said. "We utilize our team where we actually practice. We have a thing that we took from the Dallas Cowboys called 'mojo moments.'"