Arkansas Razorbacks: Hogs survive thriller against the Michigan Wolverines

January 21, 2012|Chris Replogle, KY3 News | Twitter @ky3hogsinsider or on Facebook @KYTV HogsInsider

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - It was a tale of two halves for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Arkansas built a 20-point lead in the first-half, then survived a second-half rally by No. 20 Michigan Wolverines (15-5, 5-2) for a 66-64 victory Saturday at Bud Walton Arena. Michigan never led in the game, but had a chance to win with a three-pointer at the buzzer, that rattled in-and-out.

"We couldn't have had a better start to the game," said Arkansas Head Coach Mike Anderson. "This was a confidence boost for our team."

Arkansas started fast in front of the sold-out crowd at Bud Walton Arena. The Hogs made their first 11 shots, building a 29-9 lead. Michigan than began chipping away at the lead, cutting it to 46-33 at halftime. The inside-outside play of senior guard Zack Novak and freshman forward Jordan Morgan. Novak sank five three-pointers, scoring 17 points. Morgan added 16 points for Michigan.

"Zack made some great shots," said Michigan Head Coach John Beilein. "It's just tough, they really put pressure on you 94-50, they can wear you down, they have a great plan."

Arkansas struggled to put away with the Wolverines in the second-half. The Razorbacks scored just 20 points over the final 20 minutes. The Hogs fought to keep a double-digit lead midway through the second-half, leading by as many as 16 early in the second-half.

Michigan's 12-1 spurt cut the lead to two with 3:40 to play. Arkansas blew chances to separate from Michigan at the free throw line, missing two front-ends of a one-one in the last minute.

Freshman BJ Young led Arkansas with 15 points. Fellow freshman center Hunter Mickelson added 11 points, four rebounds and two blocked shots.

"They have a lot of talent on that team, a lot of talent," said Beilein. "And Young is one of them."

Arkansas returns to Southeastern Conference play against Auburn Wednesday night at Bud Walton Arena.

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