Jan 14, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari reacts to a play in opposition to the LSU Tigers through the first half at Pete Maravich Meeting Middle. Necessary Credit score: Stephen Lew-Imagn Pictures Arkansas coach John Calipari discovered himself in an uncommon place this week: His group was 0-4 in Southeastern Convention play and tied for final within the standings.
Calipari is making an attempt to stay optimistic because the Razorbacks, 11-6 general, put together to play at resurgent Missouri (14-3, 3-1) Saturday in Columbia, Mo.
“I believed we performed (with) extra pleasure than we’ve,” Calipari mentioned after Arkansas fell 78-74 at LSU on Tuesday. “I do know I coached that approach, however . . . I bought to do a greater job. And informed them after the sport, I am not cracking, so let’s simply maintain going. Let’s prepare for the subsequent one.”
The Razorbacks went 11-2 in nonconference play and defeated Michigan, which was ranked No, 14 on the time. Then got here their SEC schedule and losses at Tennessee and at dwelling to Ole Miss and Florida earlier than the defeat at LSU. The Vols, Rebels and Gators have been all ranked on the time of their video games with Arkansas.
“They’re making an attempt. I simply bought to do a greater job,” Calipari mentioned of his group. “I really feel unhealthy for them. I will have to tug them throughout the end line on a few of these video games. I simply must do it.”
Boogie Fland, who had 19 factors and 5 assists in opposition to LSU, is averaging 15.7 factors and 5.7 assists per recreation. Massive man Adou Thiero leads Arkansas with 16.7 factors and 6.0 rebounds per recreation.
Missouri, then again, boosted its NCAA Event profile by scoring an 83-82 highway upset of No. 5 Florida on Tuesday.
The Tigers have obtained an enormous elevate from sixth-year guard Caleb Grill, who missed 5 video games earlier this season with a neck damage. He has scored 45 factors over his final three video games whereas taking pictures 11-for-22 from 3-point vary.
Grill scored 22 factors off the bench at Florida. He hit his first 4 3-point pictures to get the Tigers rolling within the first half, then sealed the victory with two free throws with 5 seconds left.
“That was one of many extra resilient victories I’ve ever been part of,” Grill mentioned. “And everybody is aware of I have been in school endlessly.”
The Tigers function a deep group with balanced scoring. Ahead Mark Mitchell (13.6 factors per recreation) and guards Tamar Bates (12.8), Grill (12.2) and Anthony Robinson II (10.7) cleared the path.
–Discipline Degree Media
