ArkansasSports.com Articles
Hogs Big Prepare For Big Test
Date: 2011-12-01T05:05:14.230
Author: Zach Turner
Editor note: Arkansas freshman Devonta Abron started his thrid consecutive game Wednesday night and had a career-high 13 points and six rebounds against Mississippi Valley State
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Arkansas’ forwards performed well against Mississippi Valley State Wednesday in their final tuneup for No. 8 Connecticut on Saturday.
The Razorbacks started senior Michael Sanchez and freshman Devonta Abron at the two forward spots for the third consecutive game. Sanchez and Abron combined for 20 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 89 percent from the field in the 97-64 win over the Delta Devils.
“Devonta keeps getting better,” coach Mike Anderson said. “He is a lot more in control, he wasn’t trying to go get the game and I thought he used his body well. He has to be a little bit more explosive with the athletes we are going to end up playing though.”
Freshman Hunter Mickelson came off the bench and played 18 minutes. The 6-foot-10 forward had six points and four rebounds to go along with two of the Razorback’s seven total blocks.
“I thought Hunter did a great job patrolling the lane,” Anderson said.
Arkansas had the size advantage against the Delta Devils, outrebounding them 39-35, but face a much taller lineup on Saturday. UConn (6-1), the Hogs opponent in the SEC/Big East Invitational, starts three players 6-foot-8 or taller.
“Everybody knows we are the underdog,” junior guard Julysses Nobles said. “We are going to go there and play our hearts out, bringing our practice to the game. The better team is going to win, so we are going to go out there and fight.”
The Huskies are outrebounding opponents by 10.9 rebounds per game, which ranks No. 11 in the nation and also blocks 8.7 shots a game, good for second in the NCAA.
Arkansas has just four forwards on its roster with Sanchez being the most experienced. Senior Marvell Waithe has just one full season under his belt after transferring to Arkansas following a successful, two-year junior college career at Tallahassee Community College in Florida.
Mississippi Valley State coach Sean Woods said the Razorbacks can compete with UConn if they continue to shoot well.
“If they shoot the ball like this they have the chance to play with anybody,” Woods said. “They move the ball well, they are solid defensively, the ball didn’t stick with them but they made shots. They shoot 47 percent from the 3-point line against anybody in the country and they are going to give them a game.”
Arkansas was shooting 32.6 percent from 3-point range coming into the game against Mississippi Valley. The Razorbacks won their game in the SEC/Big East Invitational last season defeating Seton Hall 71-62.
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