Razorbacks Take Punches, but No Effort to Fight Back

All five of the Hogs' SEC losses by double digits, this time on road at Ole Miss

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Jan 25, 2024 12:52 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas lost another conference game, this time to Ole Miss 77-51. With the 26-point loss, the Razorbacks have now lost all five conference games by double-digits. This was never really close, either.

Four parts of the game where the Razorbacks have struggled all year reared their ugly head yet again. Turnovers, rebounding, three-point defense and protecting driving lanes have been issues that have not and apparently will not be solved.

By looking at body language alone it seems every time Arkansas is punched in the mouth they quiver down. Countless times Ole Miss players were able to turn off a pick-and-roll and drive straight to the basket for an easy finish.

An extra pass always seemed to find a wide open Rebel behind the three-point line. Ole Miss capitalized on Arkansas’ struggling defense making 7-of-19 three ball attempts. Besides a three-minute window in the first half when the Razorbacks pulled within six points, the team cowered down with each thrown punch. There’s not fight in this team. It doesn’t plan on competing for more than minutes at a time. There may be one or two players with any pride at all like a Khalif Battle, Joseph Pinion or Deinjay Harris.

However, there’s no swagger, confidence or even pride coming from the Razorbacks. This team doesn’t seem to have anything left in the tank. The Razorbacks lack physicality which was shown in the rebound deficit Ole Miss nearly doubled up on them.

The Hogs used to want to fight on both ends of the court, every possession it battled. Now, the Razorbacks look like a shell of itself with no semblance to the past.

Uninspired play will likely bring in an uninspired fanbase to Bud Walton Arena on Saturday. A huge recruiting weekend with College Gameday in town will have fans hoping their team isn’t run off Nolan Richardson Court against Kentucky.