FAYETTEVILLE -- University of Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson is hoping to see his team carry over its second-half performance from last Friday's 96-47 victory over Tusculum when the Razorbacks play another exhibition game against Southwest Baptist at 7 tonight at Walton Arena.
Arkansas outscored Tusculum 66-23 in the second half -- when the Razorbacks shot 66.7 percent from the field (22 of 33) and hit 9 of 12 three-pointers -- after falling behind 8-0 and leading 30-24 at halftime.
ARKANSAS BASKETBALL
Arkansas vs. Southwest Baptist exhibition game
WHEN 7 tonight
WHERE Walton Arena, Fayetteville
TICKETS $20, $15
NOTEWORTHY Arkansas won its exhibition opener 96-47 over Tusculum. Southwest Baptist lost 85-78 at Southeast Missouri State in its first exhibition game.
Arkansas-Texas tipoff 6 p.m.
The Arkansas Razorbacks’ regular-season opener against Texas next Friday will tip off at 6 p.m. Central time and be televised by ESPN. The game will be played at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.
"The second half, I thought we settled down and played like we have been practicing for the most part," Anderson said. "I want to see a continuation of that second half.
"Be aggressive, be in attack mode, take good shots. Get to the offensive glass. We got to the free-throw line, we've just got to make free throws."
The Razorbacks hit 8 of 20 free throws in the first half against Tusculum and finished 21 of 39. They had 13 of their 20 turnovers in the first half.
"We didn't take care of the basketball, so we've got to clean that up," Anderson said. "Then of course, the free-throw line we were horrendous, especially in the first half."
Anderson said the Pioneers played harder than the Razorbacks early in the game.
"They were really physical with us," Anderson said. "Getting loose balls, diving on the floor. So it gives our guys an understanding that you have to play with a sense of urgency from when you get out there.
"Don't take it for granted the minutes you get. I'm just trying to create some habits in their mind that when they go out there, whether it be two, three, four minutes, give us the hardest, most efficient minutes you can."
Nine Razorbacks played between 17 and 29 minutes against Tusculum, and Anderson said he plans to substitute frequently again tonight.
"I think it's an opportunity for us to find out a little more about our team," he said. "Get them out there with officials, fans and get more of a playing setting in their mind."
The Razorbacks open the regular season against Texas a week from tonight at Fort Sills in El Paso, Texas, at 6 p.m.
"So I've got to have some guys in mind that are going to be playing," Anderson said. "Going to be the core guys."
Freshman guard Isaiah Joe led Arkansas with 18 points against Tusculum, and the Razorbacks got 13 points each from sophomore forward Daniel Gafford, sophomore guard Jalen Harris, freshman forward Reggie Chaney and freshman guard Keyshawn Embery-Simpson.
The 6-11 Gafford, a preseason All-SEC pick, played 18 minutes and did his damage late in the game. He drew his fourth foul with 18:40 left in the second half and went to the bench after having three fouls in the first half.
"I thought they were kind of lazy fouls, really," Anderson said. "I think some of them were jumping sideways when a guy came [into the lane]. I think he probably got one with his hands pushing.
"Obviously, he's got to understand the value that he has to our team and just play smarter. There's a thin line to play hard and smart, and he's got to do both of those."
Anderson said he wants to get a longer look tonight at freshman forward Ethan Henderson, who played five minutes against Tusculum.
"He'll get more minutes to show me what he's capable of doing," Anderson said.
With nine newcomers, Anderson said the Razorbacks are competing in practice for playing time, but that the last exhibition game will help him determine a rotation against Texas.
"This is audition two," Anderson said. "I see them every day, so in my mind I've got an idea, but I want to see them on display when the lights are on."
Sports on 11/02/2018