John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks drop to 1-6 in SEC action and 1-4 at Bud Walton Arena following a 65-62 defeat at home against the Oklahoma Sooners.
The scene was prepared for John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks to solidify their emerging personality as gritty underdogs who find ways to win against the visiting Oklahoma Sooners, competing without their freshman point guard Boogie Fland and eager for another SEC victory.
Down 63-62 in the closing seconds, Arkansas senior transfer guard Johnell Davis received the inbounds pass and made a drive to the basket but was unable to draw a foul. Oklahoma (15-4, 2-4 SEC) seized his wayward shot attempt and proceeded to clinch a tough 65-62 win, leaving Bud Walton Arena with their second consecutive victory in SEC action while preventing the Razorbacks (12-8, 1-6 SEC) from a win.
All of John Calipari’s comments: Arkansas against Oklahoma
Significant effort, missed chances
“I believed both teams battled very intensely.” After the game, Oklahoma coach Porter Moser told the media, “I believed we had one or two more plays left, but Arkansas played incredibly hard and physical.” “In order for us to succeed, I believed we needed to work hard since we’ve experienced a few losses ourselves and they have too.” Both teams did not have a problem with effort. “It was a tough, tough battle.”
Calipari concurred and highlighted the missed chances for his team to secure the victory — one of the youngest in the SEC, even without Fland, who recently had thumb surgery and is anticipated to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Sophomore transfer guard D.J. Wagner has taken on Fland’s main ball handling responsibilities. He recorded 10 points, four rebounds, and a team-high five assists during the game. Senior transfer guard Johnell Davis scored a season-high 18 points and recorded four steals for Arkansas but was unable to make the final shot attempt.
“However, it’s a well-contested match,” Calipari said to reporters. (We) received our opportunities once more. On that final play after the timeout, is that the look you were hoping for? (There were) items at the back entrance, and you either possess it or a man will be waiting in the corner.
In general, the Razorbacks persisted in facing difficulties with their shooting performance in SEC competitions. On Saturday, their shooting from the three-point line (33 percent) was almost as effective as their overall shooting (37 percent). Davis, a highly-rated player from the transfer portal, and Wagner, a leading player from the high school class of 2023, went a combined 4-for-14 from three-point range and 10-of-28 from the field overall.
I’m by his side. “And, he’s improving,” Calipari remarked about Davis, who guided Florida Atlantic to surprising runs in the Final Four and Elite Eight during the last two NCAA Tournaments. “There’s still some issues to resolve, but he’s improving.” He needs to stop overthinking things. He accomplished several positive actions.
Taking their chances
We scored nine three-pointers. If you said we hit nine threes and still lost, I would think you’re crazy. However, we also missed numerous layups. And once more, free throws. We headed there and entered (the lane), attempting to draw fouls like everyone else.
Even with the advantage of playing at home, the visiting team had four additional chances at the free-throw line — partly due to Arkansas allowing Oklahoma six consecutive chances from the charity stripe. At a crucial moment in the second half, Arkansas committed consecutive fouls on Sooner three-point attempts, allowing Oklahoma to lead 20-16 in free throw attempts. Both teams converted 80 percent of their free throw attempts.
Luke (Northweather) was driving in and out when he got fouled on that three-pointer in the corner,” Moser stated. “For him to rise to the occasion and sink those free throws — you know those aren’t simple when you are inconsistent.” He took a significant shot. “He sunk those three crucial free throws.”
Failing to win the fight for rebounds
Although they have been out-rebounded during most of SEC play (with their only conference victory against Georgia being a significant outlier), Calipari highlighted his team’s persistent struggle to convert drives to the basket as the primary focus for improvement moving forward.
“We’re engaged in activities.” “(We need) to create additional baskets,” he stated. “I believed we attempted a few too many three-pointers.” However, once more, they were all available again. We’re also missing uncontested three-pointers. And that’s only a portion of it. Occasionally, that occurs. So now you ask, was that a good attempt? I’d suggest that you need to take a shot at it. We performed sufficiently to achieve victory. We battled fiercely. “We always persevered through the game.”
In contrast to earlier in the week when Arkansas outperformed Georgia, a top rebounding team, to secure a tough home victory, Oklahoma surpassed Arkansas in rebounds with a count of 32 to 25 on Saturday.
Moser stated, “We understood they would be aggressive and push forward.” “We were solely focused on securing that rebound.” It was about forcing them to take a difficult shot and then securing the rebound. That’s how they secured victory in the Georgia match. They grabbed it and then (Arkansas’ Adou) Thiero entered and secured the rebound.
“We discussed that at the conclusion.” We need to secure the rebound. Our emphasis was on being highly physical and disciplined, but we understood that we needed to grab that rebound from the last loose ball.
Thiero, the top rebounder for Arkansas this season, delivered another strong performance by scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds in the game. On Saturday, sophomore transfer Zivonimir Ivisic outperformed him in that category with 10 points and six rebounds. The 7-foot-2 center, who tops Arkansas in three-point shooting percentage and blocked shots, also provided the team with a vital offensive presence in the post.
Ivisic took over for starting center Jonas Aidoo and played the whole second half, as Aidoo still has difficulties adjusting since his transfer from Tennessee where he was an All-SEC center.
“I felt we required rim protection as they were attacking aggressively,” Calipari stated. “Then we fell apart, and they were shooting threes.” I mentioned that I would include the shot blocker, and Z ended up with three blocked shots and six rebounds. He performed adequately.
Cal’s journey back to his former Kentucky residence
Saturday’s defeat leaves Calipari’s Razorbacks continuing their quest for an identity as they prepare for next weekend’s visit to his old grounds in Lexington, Kentucky, where he established his hall of fame reputation by claiming a national championship and making three final four appearances.
“We simply need to continue pushing forward, continue battling, and keep working on finding a solution,” Calipari stated. “What is the appearance of this team?” How should we play?
“I’m still engaged with this game, but, yes, it would be quite emotional to enter that building and truly be in the area.” I will likely meet up with a few of my friends. (Kentucky) is performing well. We have our hands busy. Let’s find out what occurs. They are a competent team. Mark (Pope) is performing well with them.
