It wasn’t a pretty showing from the No. 18 Arkansas Razorbacks on Wednesday, but they got the job done.
John Calipari’s Razorbacks (2-1) took down the Troy Trojans (2-1) by a score of TK-TK inside Bud Walton Arena.
Arkansas trailed at halftime 27-26, but a strong defensive showing by the Hogs in the second half was complimented by a much better offensive performance.
Zvonimir Ivisic led Arkansas with 19 points on six three-point baskets, with Adou Thiero contributing 19 points of his own.
The biggest moments of the game for Arkansas may have come on the injury front. Forward Trevon Brazile took a hard fall in the first half and did not return, while guard Boogie Fland went down late in the second half before having to be helped off the floor.
It’s an unfortunate development for an Arkansas team with big aspirations for the season.
On the court, Arkansas’ inconsistency is beginning to become a noticeable constant. In the Razorbacks’ season opener vs Lipscomb, Arkansas would go through stretches where it looked like the national title contender many had taken it for, while simultaneously going through stretches where it looked inferior to the Bisons.
That was the case again on Wednesday when a Troy team that realistically doesn’t have much business hanging with the Hogs led at several points throughout the game.
For the second straight home game, the crowd inside Bud Walton Arena was relatively sparse. A mid-major team on a Wednesday night in November may not sell many tickets on its own, but it was another disappointing showing for a fan base that’s as passionate as any in the country.
Arkansas will be hoping that both the fans and the team will show up with more enthusiasm on Nov. 18. The Razorbacks will welcome Pacific to Bud Walton Arena as it seeks its third win of the season.
