In a decisive performance, the 18th-ranked Arkansas men’s basketball team surged past Troy, securing a 65-49 victory on Wednesday at Bud Walton Arena. After a sluggish first half where Arkansas trailed 27-26, the Razorbacks rebounded spectacularly in the second half, sinking 14 of 22 field goal attempts, including an impressive 8 of 12 from three-point range.
Arkansas coach John Calipari expressed his concerns about facing Troy, who was projected to finish third in the Sun Belt Conference. Commenting on the team’s performance, Calipari said he had a restless night before the game, worried about how his players would respond. The first half posed challenges for Arkansas as they struggled offensively, hitting just 10 of 34 shots and only 2 of 11 from beyond the arc.
The turning point came when Johnell Davis scored to give Arkansas a lead they would not relinquish at 34-32. This basket initiated a 12-2 run, extending the lead to 41-34. Despite Troy’s effort to close the gap, Arkansas pulled away decisively, capped by a significant 7-0 run early in the second half.
Zvonimir Ivisic emerged as a standout player, scoring 19 points—16 of which came in the second half. The 7-2 sophomore transfer’s timely three-point shooting helped Arkansas snap out of their early-season shooting slump. He had a perfect 6 of 7 from beyond the arc, a remarkable showing that Calipari credited as pivotal to the win.
Adou Thiero joined Ivisic in leading the scoring, also netting 19 points along with 7 rebounds. Calipari lauded Thiero’s overall contributions, highlighting his defensive prowess and leadership. Overall, Arkansas outscored Troy 39-22 in the second half, showcasing a robust defensive effort that forced 24 turnovers, translating to 24 points for the Razorbacks.
While the team shot 24 of 56 from the floor, free-throw shooting remained an area to improve with just 7 of 14 attempts. The game also saw injuries impact players, with Trevon Brazile and Boogie Fland both suffering ankle issues. Brazile did not return after a strong start, while Fland managed to finish the game with 12 points and 7 assists.
The Razorbacks’ defensive strategy is beginning to show promise, evidenced by their average of 17 forced turnovers per game and holding opponents to an average of 60.3 points, reflecting a potential shift as they develop their defensive identity.
Looking ahead, Arkansas will host Pacific on Monday at 7 p.m., aiming to build on their momentum. With Southwest challenges ahead, this victory reflects the team’s resilience and potential as they continue to refine their play.
By emphasizing teamwork, robust defense, and players stepping up, the Razorbacks present a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the season.