Written By Chad Washington
Providence – RI, What. A. Game. #7 Kansas faced #10 Arkansas in a very good first-round matchup. The first half was back and forth with Arkansas going into the break up by 3 behind a 16-point half from Jonas Aidoo, and a 12-point half from D.J. Wagner.
The second half was a story of momentum and cold sprouts, Arkansas came out scoring 9 straight points to start, this run was pioneered by a period where they went over 10 minutes without a turnover. However, Kansas didn’t lay down, going on a quick 9-2 run. This run was caused by Kansas switching to zone, something they’ve done in only seven possessions ALL season. This led to a couple of missed three-pointers by Arkansas off of some bad shot selections.
The whole second half was back and forth and the intensity was on level ten from both teams. Kansas going zone was able to get the stops they needed to claw back into the game and take the lead 65-64, with under six minutes remaining. A KJ Adams jumper put the Jayhawks up 3.
Boogie Fland’s fastbreak layup put the Hogs on the board for their first points in over 4 Minutes, leading to a 7-0 run. 71-67 Hogs, 1:43 remaining.
Fast forward to :12, 75-72 Arkansas, the Hogs used their last two timeouts in failed imbound attempts. Johnell Davis sealed the game with two clutch free throws and the Hogs survive the comeback.
Stats to note:
- Arkansas went over 4:00 with no points down the stretch.
- Kansas went over 4:00 without a FG down the stretch.
- Hunter Dickenson did not score in the second half.
- DJ Wagner had 12 points in the first half, and didn’t score until :21 in the second half
- Arkansas went 2-13 on 3PT shots in the second half, causes by Kansas’ zone.
- Kansas’ comeback was led with Hunter Dickenson on the bench.
Arkansas will face against the winner of St. Johns/Omaha on Saturday, Could the Hogs continue winning big games and be Sweet-Sixteen bound?
Cover Image Via razorbackmbb/IG
