What You Missed On Spring Break
Arkansas coach Tom Collen lead the Razorbacks to their winningest season since 1991 with a 24-9 record. (File Photo).
Arkansas’ women’s basketball team had its best season in more than a decade end in a 61-59 loss against No. 3 seed Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Razorbacks (24-9) rallied from a 13-point deficit to take a one-point lead with less than one minute remaining in the game.
The Aggies then hit 3 of 4 free throws and took advantage of two Arkansas missed shots to pull out the win on their home court.
“We didn’t quite get the look we wanted at the end of the game but I couldn’t be more pleased with the effort of this team all year,” Arkansas coach Tom Collen said.
The loss ended the Razorbacks’ winningest season since 1991 and first NCAA appearance since 2003. It also ended the career of five Arkansas seniors that helped turn the program around under Collen’s guidance, ending their careers by leading the Razorbacks to a program-record nine Southeastern Conference wins.
“This has been one of the most enjoyable senior classes I have ever coached,” Collen said. “They took a chance on me four years ago and it has been great coaching them.”
Peacock arrested
Arkansas starting offensive tackle Jason Peacock was suspended indefinitely by coach Bobby Petrino after being arrested on a felony theft charge March 16.
The senior was booked at the Washington County Detention Center and released on $2,5000 bond five hours later, according to the Washington County sheriff’s office. Peacock admitted to stealing a female classmate’s wallet and using her debit card for a $1 preauthorization charge and $35.01 worth of gas at a Fayetteville EZ Mart on March 5, according to a UAPD report.
“I am aware of the situation and he has been suspended indefinitely,” Petrino said in a statement.
Peacock had a hearing on March 19 and has a court date April 16.
The victim’s purse was stolen when she left it unattended in a Fine Arts Building classroom on March 5, according to the UAPD report. The purse was later found in a men’s restroom, but her wallet and student ID card had been removed.
The student’s online bank account showed the card had been used at the EZ Mart pump where Peacock’s silver Lincoln Town Car was identified on the security camera.
This is the second consecutive year a Razorbacks starting offensive tackle has gotten in legal trouble. Anthony Oden was kicked off the team last summer following his second arrest in a year.
Peacock started at tackle for the final nine games of the 2011 season.
Arkansas coach Mike Anderson and the Razorbacks will likely make an overseas summer trip to Italy in preparation for the 2012-2013 season. (File Photo).
Basketball to Italy?
Arkansas’ basketball team will likely take a trip abroad in early August.
Razorbacks coach Mike Anderson said he wants his team to travel to Italy and play Italian club and professional teams this summer.
In addition to the game experience, the Hogs would be allowed 10 days of practice in preparation for the trip, a potential bonding period for a team that will have at least three, likely more, newcomers.
“We’re going to have such a new basketball team, so many new players coming in,” Anderson said. “I think even with the players that are coming back, it gives you an opportunity to get some practice time in, and not only that, have a chance to go play some games.”
The NCAA allows programs to make an international summer trip every four years to participate in exhibitions. Arkansas traveled to Cancun in 2003 and 2007.
Baseball sweeps first SEC series, runs win streak to 10
Arkansas opened Southeastern Conference play with a three-game sweep against Alabama at Baum Stadium, a weekend that resulted in the Razorbacks moving to No. 3 in the nation.
The Hogs beat the Crimson Tide 4-3 in a 12-inning Friday thriller that included an over-the-fence catch by left fielder Matt Vinson, a grab that robbed Alabama of a home run and was SportsCenter’s No. 1 play of the week on ESPN.
Arkansas cruised to 8-4 and 7-4 wins against Alabama on Saturday and Sunday, then beat Nevada 10-2 on Sunday to extend its winning streak to 10 games.
