Arkansas basketball’s backcourt shows off its ceiling in New York homecoming win over Michigan

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NEW YORK — Boogie Fland and DJ Wagner both celebrated a homecoming inside Madison Square Garden, where Arkansas basketball’s starting backcourt sparked a much-needed victory.

Fland and Wagner were the Razorbacks’ (8-2) best players in an 89-87 win over No. 14 Michigan (8-2) Tuesday night at the Jimmy V Classic.

They combined for 36 points, 12 assists and just two turnovers. They were the types of performances John Calipari envisioned when he brought Wagner with him from Kentucky and signed Fland out of high school, and the duo showed off their sky-high potential to a national audience.

“It shows what it can be, what we have the potential to be,” Fland said. “Our ceiling, there’s really no ceiling. Just like if we come together like we should with time.”

More: Arkansas basketball displays ‘will to win’ in much-needed victory over Michigan

More: Nine things we’ve learned about Arkansas basketball, John Calipari through nine games

Fland has been spectacular all season. ESPN recently ranked him as the No. 8 freshman in America, and he’s averaging 15.5 points and 5.4 assists through the first nine games of his college career.

The Bronx, N.Y., native scored 20 points and had seven assists in front of friends and family Tuesday night. He powered a first-half comeback after Michigan went up 15 points, starting with aggressive drives to the basket that earned him trips to the free-throw line. Eventually, he started to knock down his signature step-back jumpers and floaters.

Perspective normally takes time, but Fland could appreciate the moment immediately after his first-ever game inside the most storied basketball arena across the globe.

Dec 10, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland (2) looks to drive past Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

“I had over 100 people here,” Fland said. “So just for them to be able to see me play in person, most of my career, they…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/arkansas-basketballs-backcourt-shows-off-175337545.html

Author : Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record

Publish date : 2024-12-11 17:53:00

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