Free-Throw Line Sums Up Razorback Season So Far

Double-edged sword highlights defensive shortcomings for Musselman's squad

Author:
Daniel Shi
Publish date:
Dec 11, 2023 9:58 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE Ark. — The worst start since 2015, Arkansas basketball still has time to turn around its 6-4 record, but with only three more games SEC play kicks off with Auburn, time to make adjustments is running thin. One stat that underlines the rocky start is the tale of tape at the free throw line.

The Razorbacks rank fifth in the nation (and best in the SEC) in free throws attempted per game at 28.4. Arkansas relies on free throws for its offense more than any other SEC team, accounting for 25% of Hog points through the first 10 games.

There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but having such a high percentage of points contingent on the power of the whistle can be a dangerous game.

The Hogs also rank 327th nationally in opponent free throws allowed with 24.3, which is last in the SEC, up from 21.9 last year. Although coach Eric Musselman has been pleased with the seven blocks per game, third best in the country, he insists it is a byproduct of not being able to defend opponents driving to the basket.

"It's not working because we foul a lot," Musselman said. "Which, I'm still flabbergasted that we're a low-steal team and a high-foul team. I don't know how that correlates, but that's the way it's gone for us."

The more concerning part is the defensive struggles, outlined by how often its opposition gets to the free-throw line. The Hogs rank 327th nationally in opponent free throws allowed.

"They kept attacking because we can’t keep the ball in front of us," Musselman said after the Oklahoma game. "So, I would keep attacking, too. If the guards can’t keep the ball in front, there’s only so many times your back line is going to be able to block a shot."

There have also been mental lapses. For instance, in back-to-back games, freshman guard Layden Blocker fouled a shooter on a three-pointer in the second half. Both times opponents made all three free throws. It gave Furman hope with 1:38 left in the game in a last-gasp attempt. Against Oklahoma, it halted an 8-3 Razorback run out of halftime and spurred the start of Oklahoma's own 11-0 run that turned a manageable deficit into a disaster.

Finally, like the perfect Christmas bow to tie it all together, the spike in free throw attempts can be partly attributed to the tension that is slowly coming to a simmer on this team. Last year, Arkansas picked up 12 technical fouls during the entire regular season. This season, the Razorbacks are already at 10 and on pace for a whopping 31 technicals by the end of the regular season. Musselman picked up two out of frustration during a TV time-out Saturday in a game that featured six between the two teams.

Musselman will get a chance to reset before taking on Lipscomb in North Little Rock, Ark. 5 p.m. Dec. 17. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+.