The Arkansas Razorbacks faced two very different opponents to start the season but alas, the result was the same. The Hogs moved to 2-0 with a 69-54 win over North Texas, which ranked 103rd coming into the match, according to KenPom.
“This game really showed what we can do defensively when we put our minds to it," said leading scorer Justin Smith Saturday night. "I also think it showed us how far we have to go to be elite defensively, that’s one of the things Coach Muss has stressed to us for us to be successful. We really wanted to get the ball out of Hamlet’s hands and make the other players make plays. We were really synced in defensively as a unit."
Starting Connor Vanover over Vance Jackson, the lone change to the starting lineup between game one and game two, the Razorbacks got off to a good start against the Mean Green in the first half–despite a poor shooting percentage.
After hitting 20 threes against MVSU, the Hogs went 3-13 in the first half from deep. Sinking four shots, including one three, JD Notae led the squad with 11 points in the first half, followed by Moses Moody and Smith with 8 apiece. Notae sparked a 10-0 run that broke the 19-19 game open midway through the first.
The Hogs drew 10 first half fouls, led by Desi Sills driving to the paint with ferocity.
Defensively, Vanover and Smith combined for five first half blocks and the Hogs held North Texas to 1-6 from three and 37% from the field in the first. Vanover also notched seven first half boards and the Hogs racked up six steals.
The Razorbacks came out of the half with lockdown defense, holding the Mean Green to 27 points through the first five minutes of the second. North Texas pulled within 10 points with 9:40 left to play but a bucket by Notae and three by Smith quickly put the game back into safe territory for the Hogs.
"Coming out of halftime, a big point of emphasis was our defense," Eric Musselman said post-game. "Trying to pick up our defense. I think we held them for about 4 minutes and 55 seconds or maybe 5 minutes where they did not score. And I think that really changed the complexion of the game was our defensive intensity to start the second half.
Vanover finished the game with six points (on four shots), 16 rebounds (14 defensive) and six blocks. He's now the only Razorback since 1996 to have at least 16 rebounds and six blocked shots in a game (HogStats.com). Vanover’s 16 rebounds doubled his previous career-high and six blocked shots tied his career high.
"Connor was great," Musselman said. "I mean, he altered shots. Sometimes you can have a huge impact on a game, and it’s important for all of our guys on our roster to understand, Connor contributed in so many ways, but he only had six points and he only took four shots, but he did a great job impacting the win. So it’s not always about scoring the basketball."
"That was the Connor that we've been waiting on," Notae said post-game. "I mean, he's 7-3. He can protect the rim. He can get all the rebounds, and you saw that tonight. I'm just happy for him, because that's like my brother. We're together every day. We sat out together. So, it's good to see him have a huge impact on the game like he did tonight."
Smith topped the scoreboard with 18 points and six boards in his second game as a Hog.
"Justin is our most versatile guy," Notae said. "He can guard the 1 through 5. He's super athletic. He's been working on his three-ball each and every day. Getting in the gym, getting up threes and just working his offensive game. I mean, it's just his hard work paying off. It's good to see him hitting his threes, too. If he's hitting his threes then good luck."
Freshmen Jaylin Williams and Devo Davis didn't get any minutes against North Texas, and Jackson and KK Robinson played just eight and four minutes, respectively. Musselman was unapologetic about his minute distribution.
"I don’t know who you would take out tonight. I thought that Justin was absolutely incredible in our shadow defense. When he came out, I thought our shadow got picked apart, but he’s strong, long, understands spacing on that back-court trap. And Connor was so good.
"We kind of rotated three guards. Certainly, KK has done a great job for us, and Jaylin Williams, but you’ve got to make some tough decisions. I mean, Jaylin Williams has been one of our best practice players. He talks, he’s got great energy, but the game sometimes dictates … we made a change in our starting lineup tonight after a big win, so there’s decisions that you’ve got to make."
The Razorbacks face UT-Arlington on Dec. 2. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network.
