Ricky Council IV’s late-game burst propels Arkansas basketball to win over Troy

FAYETTEVILLE — Eric Musselman was fearful a couple of post-Maui letdown in opposition to Troy. Arkansas basketball’s coach stated Saturday he had spoken with coaches who had performed within the Maui Invitational earlier than, and he was involved about enjoying so quickly after having three video games in three days on the match.

Add in that the Razorbacks had been with no common starter in Davonte “Devo” Davis, and Arkansas discovered itself each drained and considerably depleted.

That led to a sluggish begin, however the No. 11 Razorbacks (6-1) discovered their resolve within the second half to get the 74-61 win over Troy (6-2).

For a lot of the sport, Arkansas’ protection had hassle stopping Troy’s assault whereas the Razorbacks struggled to get its personal offense going. When Arkansas managed to construct a small lead, the Trojans put collectively a run to take it proper again.

Late within the second half, nonetheless, the Razorbacks constructed a lead that lasted. Guard Ricky Council IV was essential that effort, happening a private 11-0 run full with a deep 3-pointer. A pair of free throws by Kamani Johnson and a 4 factors from Jordan Walsh made it a 17-0 run over about 5 minutes.

Council completed with a season-high 27 factors, 19 of which got here within the second half. He made his final six discipline targets.

FRESHMAN PHENOM:Nick Smith Jr. makes Arkansas basketball debut vs. Troy

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Makhi Mitchell’s strong sport

Arkansas’ first six factors of the sport got here on layups by ahead Makhi Mitchell. Two of these layups had been put-backs after Mitchell grabbed a pair of offensive rebounds.

It was a tone-setter for the remainder of Mitchell’s sport. He was one rebound shy of a double-double within the first half, and he reached a season-high 10 factors earlier than the break.

He completed with 14 factors on 6-for-8 taking pictures, 9 rebounds and three blocks.

Nick Smith Jr.’s debut

Freshman guard Nick Smith Jr. performed in his first regular-season sport after lacking the primary six for “proper knee administration,” in accordance with the workforce.

Smith checked in about six minutes into the sport to an ovation from the Bud Walton Area crowd. He performed solely six minutes within the back-and-forth contest and completed 0-for-2 from the sector with one rebound.

Up subsequent

Arkansas hosts San Jose State at Bud Walton Area on Saturday (3 p.m. CT, SECN).

Christina Lengthy covers the Arkansas Razorbacks for the Southwest Instances Report and USA TODAY Community. You’ll be able to observe her on Twitter @christinalong00 or e-mail her at clong