By Otis Kirk
Arkansas lost a 15-point lead in the second half, but then managed to defeat Auburn 76-73 on a late bucket by Nick Smith Jr. in the SEC Tournament.
The Razorbacks appeared to be coasting to a win over the Tigers, but then Arkansas started turning the ball over. Auburn took its first lead since 2-0 on an Allen Flanigan bucket with 41 seconds remaining. Flanigan's basket gave Auburn a 73-72 lead.
However, Smith then hit a jumper with 16 seconds remaining to put Arkansas back up 74-73. Davonte "Devo" Davis added two free throws and then Arkansas survived a missed 3-point attempt at the buzzer by Wendell Green Jr. to advance and also snap a three-game losing streak.
"My team needed a pull-up jump shot and I made it," Smith said. "That was game."
Smith finished with 14 points, three rebounds, a pair of assists and two steals. Anthony Black also had a big game. Black topped the Hogs with 19 points, six rebounds, half dozen assists and two steals. Smith talked about Black's performance.
"He stepped up big time for us," Smith said. "He's a pro. He's a good player. He will do anything for the team to get a win and that's what we did tonight."
Smith said the losing skid to end the regular season is behind them now as they continue their tournament run first in Nashville and then the Big Dance.
"Whatever we did in the regular season doesn't matter," Smith said. "We're in a good position to come out and win games and that's what we're going to try and do."
To tell how much Arkansas dominated for most of the game the Tigers only held the lead for 42 seconds. Arkansas led for 36 minutes, 37 seconds with just three lead changes.
Arkansas' biggest lead was 54-39 with 14:04 remaining. But Arkansas had 19 turnovers, including 11 in the second half, allowing the Tigers to creep back into the game.
Makhi Mitchell came off the bench to score 12 points, pull down six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jordan Walsh had 11 points, four rebounds and two assists while battling a back issue. Davis had seven points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Auburn was led by K.D. Johnson with 20 points, Flanigan 15, John Broome 13 points and seven rebounds and Green 11.
The Razorbacks shot 56 percent from the field to 49 for Auburn. The Hogs shot 27 percent from behind the 3-point line and 74 percent at the free throw line.
Arkansas dominated the boards 37-19 and had 18 second-chance points to only six for Auburn. The Hogs scored 48 points in the paint to 40 for the Tigers. Auburn had defeated Arkansas 72-59 on Jan. 7 at Auburn.
Arkansas (20-12) will take on No. 18 Texas A&M (23-8) at 6 p.m. on Friday night. It will be televised on the SEC Network.
Photos Courtesy of Craven Whitlow CW3 Action Sports
