By Otis Kirk

No. 18 Texas A&M outscored Arkansas 42-23 in the second half Friday night to take a 67-61 win and advance to the semifinals of the SEC Tournament. 

Arkansas held a 38-25 advantage at intermission, but then faded in the second half. The last lead for the Razorbacks was 51-50 with 7:56 remaining in the game. The Aggies actually took their first lead of the second half when Dexter Dennis hit a basket to make it 46-45 with 10:26 remaining in the game. Eric Musselman wasn't pleased with the second half, but credited Texas A&M.

"Obviously we played a very good first half and a poor second half," Musselman said. "Give Texas A&M credit for their second half play."

The Aggies beat the Hogs 43-26 on the boards. Neither team shot the 3-ball very well. Arkansas hit 5 of 20 (25 percent) while the Aggies were just 1 of 10 (10 percent). 

"The biggest thing heading into the game was rebounding the basketball," Musselman said. "Obviously 26 to 43 we didn't rebound the ball. Second half the 7-0 foul count took away our aggressiveness. But again give A&M total credit for how hard they played."

The charity stripe continued to be an issue for the Razorbacks making just 12 of 19 (63 percent). 

Nick Smith Jr. led the Hogs with 16 points and dished out four assists. Makhi Mitchell returned to the starting lineup after coming off the bench on Thursday night. He responded with 15 points, six rebounds, three steals and four blocks. Anthony Black added nine points, four rebounds, two assists and four blocks.

A&M was led by Wade Taylor IV with 18 points and had three assists. Henry Coleman III had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Dennis and Tyrece Radford each had 11 points.

Texas A&M (24-8) advances to play the winner of Kentucky and Vanderbilt, Friday night's late game while Arkansas (20-13) waits to see where they are going in the NCAA Tournament.