KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Arkansas basketball’s performance in their Thanksgiving game against Illinois was reminiscent of a team that may have overindulged during the holiday. The No. 21 Razorbacks fell to Illinois with a final score of 90-77, starting the game on a sluggish note. Illinois jumped out to a significant 11-0 lead, quickly establishing a commanding presence on the court. Although Arkansas outperformed Illinois for the remainder of the game, the initial deficit proved too steep to overcome.
Head coach John Calipari analyzed the team’s lackluster start, attributing it to an overzealous desire to showcase individual skills rather than focusing on a cohesive team strategy. Calipari expressed concern over his team’s insufficient aggression, particularly during the game’s early stages. “We kind of went in to try to show my stuff… it just takes time to get guys to buy in,” he said.
An area of significant concern was Arkansas’s offensive strategy. Although Calipari encourages shooting from beyond the arc, the team began the game with three consecutive three-point attempts instead of attacking the basket. This strategy switched as the game progressed, with standout player Adou Thiero leading the charge, scoring 26 points. He showcased tenacity in getting to the rim, taking 21 free throws, although only converting 12, which contributed to the loss.
On the defensive end, Arkansas has excelled this season in forcing turnovers, averaging 17.7 per game. However, they struggled against Illinois, which managed to distribute the ball effectively with 16 assists against only 11 turnovers. Calipari noted that the team had difficulty defending the three-point line, as Illinois capitalized by hitting 15 of their 31 attempts, while Arkansas could only convert 5 of 17.
Despite the setback, Calipari remains optimistic about the Razorbacks’ potential. He envisions a future where the team’s strengths perfectly align, especially once key players like Trevon Brazile and Jonas Aidoo are fully integrated. The team faces urgency as it seeks quality non-conference victories, currently holding a record of 0-2 against Power Four teams.
“The whole thing is getting them to play right,” Calipari remarked, indicating that embracing the right game mentality can lead to future successes, even if they don’t always yield immediate wins.
As the Razorbacks regroup and refocus, fans can hold onto hope that with continued determination and adjustment, the team will turn their season around and demonstrate the caliber of play that Calipari believes they are capable of achieving.