FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas kept the game with No. 8 Tennessee close for a half, but the Vols took control in the final 20 minutes for a 92-63 win in Bud Walton Arena.
Tennessee held a 46-40 lead at intermission, but then outscored the Hogs 46-23 in the second half to take an easy win. Eric Musselman was complimentary of Tennessee (18-6, 8-3) afterward.
"They make shots," Musselman said. "They defend. They cut hard. They play hard. They’ve got a great competitive spirit. A very, very poor second half, there’s no denying that. Our lack of taking care of the basketball, 15 turnovers which led to the 28 Tennessee points. And our lack of ability to get to the free throw line. Tennessee gives up 23-plus free throws attempted in league play. We were unable even get to get to the average and we are one of the highest attempting free throws teams in the country. We didn’t get to the line enough and we didn’t take care of the ball."
The Vols made 21 free throws in 24 attempts. Arkansas got to the charity stripe 15 times making 11. Musselman did feel like the game was physical, but Arkansas just didn't get the calls.
"There was a lot of contact and there wasn’t a lot of fouls," Musselman said. "We’ve got to play through it for sure. Also very surprised we didn’t get to the foul line. 28-plus times was a goal that we talked about but we got totally outplayed."
Arkansas (12-12, 3-8) did take a brief lead, 15-14, with 14:21 remaining in the first half. That was the last time Arkansas was on top.
"Yeah I thought we moved the ball (in first half)," Musselman said. "I don’t know how many assists we had in the second half (2), but it couldn’t have been many. Second half was not good at all from a second half standpoint."
Tennessee had a balanced attack with Jonas Aidoo leading the Vols with 23 points and 12 boards. Dalton Knecht was next with 22 points while Jordan Gainey chipped in 17 and Josiah-Jordan James adding 12.
"They are very physical," Musselman said. "Aidoo was phenomenal interior - 23 points - 11 of 14 and then off the bench Gainey was great - 18 minutes, 17 points. Their good players made shots. Hard to guard and defensively both halves (by Arkansas) not very good job, 46 points in both halves by Tennessee."
Arkansas was led in scoring by Tramon Mark with 12 points. Davonte "Devo" Davis had eight points, three rebounds and four assists. Jalen Graham added eight points and seven rebounds, which was best on the team. Jeremiah Davenport had eight points and Joseph Pinion three points.
Tennessee shot 57% (33-58) from the field compared to 38% (22-58) for Arkansas. The Razorbacks did shoot 35% (8-23) from deep compared to only 29% for the opponent. The Vols outrebounded Arkansas 36-25. Tennessee had 48 points in the paint compared to 22 for Arkansas.
"Yeah, I mean I thought they got whatever they wanted in the paint tonight," Musselman said. "I thought that hard post ups and physical post ups and they established post position. When you catch the ball that deep, it’s pretty hard to stop somebody."
The Razorbacks will be at Mississippi State (16-8, 5-6) on Saturday with the tip at 1 p.m. on ESPNU. The Bulldogs last played Saturday when they blasted Missouri 75-51.
Photos Courtesy of Craven Whitlow CW3 Sports Action
