Razorbacks Get Shot at Overtime, Fall Short in Tuscaloosa

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas went into Tuscaloosa for one of the most controversial games in which the Razorbacks have ever had a part.

Despite a tremendous defensive effort that helped Arkansas build an 11-point lead in the first half, an inability to consistently score along with increased pressure by Alabama combined to see the Crimson Tide come back, build large lead, and hold off a last second shot for an 86-83 win.

Leaning Into the Controversy

In what may have been one of the more disturbing actions taken by a college basketball player and a program in a long time, video captured Brandon Miller receiving a mock pat down when introduced before the game. Miller has been the subject of much controversy for being allowed to play after testimony in court by a detective provided evidence that Miller brought a gun that was used in a murder of a young mother and blocked the car she was in with his vehicle.

Did Bama’s Brandon Miller have a pat down as his introduction “celebration?” At best tone deaf, at worst heartless towards the victim’s family. pic.twitter.com/Xmb4A6ZfWD
— Brad Allis (@WSRBrad) February 25, 2023

Defense Was the Offense Early On

Arkansas shot 40% in the first half despite missing several shots from point-blank range. Much of what was made was generated off strong defense.

That defense held Alabama to only 28 first half points on 33% shooting.

Defense ➡️ Offense pic.twitter.com/38HUmg9QNO
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) February 25, 2023

Devo Davis has been covering Brandon Miller so tight he could testify whether Miller hugged his girlfriend this morning.
That defense is a big reason the Hogs are up by nine at the half.#WPS pic.twitter.com/8B6l5Cf1eO
— Hogs on Sports Illustrated (@hogsonsi) February 25, 2023

Arkansas Defense Not Only Ones Being Aggressive

As the Razorbacks opened up a big lead in the first half, the Razorback fan base was feeling particularly froggy as Brandon Miller puns became the flavor of the moment.

Miller is more comfortable assisting shooters. https://t.co/NeTs20QdGs
— Harristotle (@Its_Harristotle) February 25, 2023

brandon miller looked shocked that they called a foul on him. he isn’t used to facing consequences
— big content guy (@bigcontentguy) February 25, 2023

He’s good at getting away with things. https://t.co/M1DyFhFTKL
— Harristotle (@Its_Harristotle) February 25, 2023

Funny the only people catching charges in Bama is Arkansas
— Harristotle (@Its_Harristotle) February 25, 2023

Arkansas Wasn't the Only Fan Base Feeling Salty

Before things started going the Razorbacks' way in the first half, it was the Crimson Tide crowd hoping to show a bit of cleverness on social media.

Hogs Managed to Make It a Game Late

After Alabama seemed poised to blow this game open, the Razorbacks came fighting back.

Still in it pic.twitter.com/fJIuuNQQwW
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) February 25, 2023

Nick Smith hit a key three at the end, setting the stage for Arkansas to have a good look at sending the game to overtime. However, Ricky Council's three went off the rim and the Hogs were unable to generate an And-One on the rebound.

Arkansas was 12-of-20 in the second half, which went a long way toward Arkansas no being able to pull off the win. That allowed the Crimson Tide to do something they haven't done in over a decade.

WHAT A GAME‼️

No. 2 @AlabamaMBB gets its first regular season sweep of Arkansas since the 2012 season. pic.twitter.com/tvzXHUrvF3
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) February 25, 2023