Arkansas’ road woes continued Saturday against Alabama, as the Hogs dropped the game 72-66 to the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in front an estimated attendance of 13,145.
Arkansas got 18 points, five rebounds and four assists from sophomore guard Rickey Scott to lead the Hogs who were ahead of the Crimson Tide as late as 4:11 remaining in the game. The Tide went on a 17-10 run from that point to snap a four-game losing streak.
“You look at all the games our guys have played on the road and I thought this was the best one,” Arkansas coach Mike Anderson said. “I am not into moral victories and I will never be into moral victories, but I just saw some positive that I think this team will take and learn from it.”
The Razorbacks (15-6, 3-3 Southeastern Conference) got off to a hot start behind the shooting hands of Scott and fellow sophomore guard Mardracus Wade. The duo each hit a 3-point shot along with a Hunter Mickelson jumper to get the Hogs out to a 8-3 start.
Scott and Wade continued their 3-point ways as the Hogs then took a 24-21 lead at the 9:23 mark of the first half. Alabama went on a 16-6 run to close out the first half with point guard Trevor Releford leading the way.
“We talked about getting off to a good start and I thought we did get off to a good start,” Anderson said. “We didn’t finish the half as well, but if you are just down seven points on the road you are within striking distance.”
Alabama used its size advantage in the second half as forwards Jamychal Green and Tony Mitchell combined for 25 total points and 14 rebounds to give the Tide the advantage in the paint.
The Razorbacks won the turnover battle, 16-17, as well as second chance points, 14-9, but we unable to prevail after closing the gap to just two points with 1:35 remaining.
“We showed a different attitude on the road,” Anderson said. “We were in position to win this game and it just came down to lack of execution down the stretch. It’s difficult on the road and you’re playing a talented Alabama team that was very, very hungry because they had a tough little streak here. At the same time, I thought we came out and they punched, we punched back.”
Mickelson got his second straight start against the Tide, but was in foul trouble for a majority of his 11 minutes played. The freshman forward finished with five points and three rebounds.
Fellow freshman forward Devonta Abron started the second half in Mickelson’s place, finishing with eight points and five rebounds. The Dallas, Texas native got four of his eight points in transition.
“I thought that was an advantage because we could wear those Alabama guys down,” Anderson said. “It was a point of emphasis that we have to rebound first, but we also got to defend. In the second half you could really see some of that taking place with Devonta running, Mike Sanchez running and Hunter as well.”
Releford finished with a team-high 18 points for the Tide, but it was backup guard Andrew Steele who had the best all-around game netting 11 points to go with six rebounds and a game-high six assists.
Alabama, who was once ranked as high as No. 12 in the country, improves to 13-7, 3-4 SEC.
“Hats off to Alabama,” Anderson said. “I thought they played well. They had been struggling but they got to the free throw line. If you get to the free throw line, and go 20-of-25, that can win you some games.”
Arkansas is now 0-6 away from Bud Walton Arena, but remains a perfect 15-0 at home. The Hogs host Vanderbilt as part of ESPN’s Super Tuesday Jan. 30.