Arkansas Basketball’s Inside Offense Could Become a Major Weapon

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -Arkansas basketball does not need to rely exclusively on perimeter shooting to overwhelm opponents. With its combination of athletic guards, versatile forwards and developing frontcourt players, the Razorbacks have another potential advantage that could become increasingly important as the season progresses.

They can attack the basket.

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Arkansas offered a glimpse of that potential in its 93-81 exhibition victory over Memphis on Wednesday, scoring 54 points in the paint and throwing down 13 dunks. The Razorbacks finished with 18 assists and shot 53.7% from the field, according to theofficial box score and game recap.

The performance represented a significant improvement from Arkansas’ exhibition against Gonzaga four days earlier. The Razorbacks struggled to convert around the basket in that 76-72 victory, making just five of 16 layup attempts, according tothe Gonzaga game recap.

The difference was not simply the number of points Arkansas scored. It was the team’s ability to turn its athleticism into efficient offense near the rim.

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If the Razorbacks can maintain that approach against regular-season competition, interior scoring could become one of the most dependable parts of their offense.

Arkansas has multiple ways to score inside

One of the most encouraging aspects of Arkansas’ performance against Memphis was that its interior production did not depend on a single player.

Billy Richmond III and Jordan Smith Jr. each scored 17 points, while Miikka Muurinen finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Davion Thompson added 13 points, giving Arkansas another productive option as the Razorbacks spread the scoring across the lineup.

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The guards’ ability to get downhill is especially important. When Richmond and Smith put pressure on the defense, opposing players must decide whether to stay attached to their assignments or help protect the basket.

That decision creates opportunities for teammates.

A defender who steps toward a driving…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/arkansas-basketballs-inside-offense-could-200004837.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-29 20:00:00

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