Lack of Offense Dooms Razorbacks Against Auburn in SEC Opener

No consistent rhythm disappoints fans inside Bud Walton Arena as Tigers pull away late

Author:
Daniel Shi
Publish date:
Jan 6, 2024 4:49 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas lost its composure and all offensive rhythm midway through the beginning of the second half as they were handed a sobering loss, 83-51 at the hands of the No. 25. Auburn Tigers. The loss is the worst in Bud Walton's history, eclipsing the Razorbacks' 30-point loss to Florida in 2012.

"This team has not resembled what we’ve built the last four years from a competitive standpoint," coach Eric Musselman said.

Already down 46-32, Davonte "Devo" Davis pushed Chad-Baker Mazzara and was assessed a flagrant foul as Auburn's 26-7 run pushed the Auburn lead up to 18. After holding Johni Broome scoreless in the first half, he scored 14 points as the Razorbacks only made two two-point jumpers. Musselman continues to search for answers as he used his eighth different starting five of the season in just 14 games.

It was clear from the opening tip that no love was lost between the two teams. Jalen Graham and Broome immediately got tangled up with each other and were assessed double personal fouls. After starting 0-for-5 from the field, Arkansas spurned to life with an 8-0 run with Keyon Menifield and Trevon Brazile scored the first 11 points, forcing Auburn coach Bruce Pearl to call an early timeout.

Arkansas Razorbacks' Trevon Brazile goes up for a one-handed dunk in the first half against the Auburn Tigers on Saturday at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark.
Andy Hodges / allHOGS Images

The Razorbacks struggled on the glass with six offensive rebounds in the opening 10 minutes turning an 11-5 deficit into a 20-16 lead with mostly layups. A fast break Brazile dunk created by a Menifield steal sparked the Bud Walton crowd to life and tied the game at 22.

Baker-Mazzara capped off a sensational half where he scored 14 of his 16 points with just Auburn's second triple of the game up until that point. Auburn finished the half on a 13-5 run to lead 37-30.

Once Auburn got a double-digit lead, they never let go of it, implementing its lockdown defense. A deep three from Aden Holloway applied the coup de grâce and stretched the lead to 64-42.

"It feels like we quit," Menifield said. "We didn’t play as a team and we weren’t together out there. So when you’re not together and you don’t have fight out there and let people punk you, that’s what happens."

The Hogs will look to bounce back in its first true road game against Georgia 8 p.m. Jan. 10 The game will be broadcast on ESPNU and fuboTV .