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FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas basketball was battered and bruised in its preseason exhibition against Gonzaga.
An 18-0 run that stretched across two halves proved to be the difference as the Razorbacks held on for a 76-72 win over the Bulldogs on Saturday, Oct. 24. The final result was encouraging, but Arkansas had to deal with three injury scares. Jordan Smith Jr., Miikka Muurinen and Cooper Bowser all hobbled into the locker room at separate stages of the second half.
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Even with the injuries, Arkansas found a way. Here are three takeaways from the home victory.
Arkansas basketball’s depth on full display
John Calipari made it his mission this offseason to have a deeper roster. The fruits of his labor showed up in this exhibition.
Smith, the highest-rated recruit and NBA draft prospect on the team, didn’t even score until in his Bud Walton Arena debut until he made a free throw with 19 seconds remaining. It didn’t matter as seven different players scored at least seven points. Calipari used a 10-man rotation and got significant contributions from nearly all of his players.
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Billy Richmond III led the way with 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists. JJ Andrews had 10 points and nine rebounds.
The final addition of the roster, 17-year old reclassification freshman Davion Thompson, made the biggest shot of the game with a step-back 3 inside the final minutes that pushed the Hogs’ lead to five points. Thompson finished with 12 points.
Offense needs plenty of work
Darius Acuff Jr. spoiled Arkansas fans last season with a blend of explosiveness and efficiency that produced one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.
This year’s team might need to win games on the other end of the floor.
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There’s plenty of time to improve, and things got better in the second half, but Saturday wasn’t an encouraging start. Arkansas committed 12 turnovers and shot 37.5% from the field. Arkansas was also 17 of 30 from the free-throw line.
