FAYETTEVILLE – Nick Smith Jr., scored 22 points, including 16 in the second half, while Makhi Mitchell and Davonte Davis each produced a double-double to lead #9/8 Arkansas (8-1) to a 65-58 win over UNC Greensboro (4-6) Tuesday night at Bud Walton Arena.
Arkansas overcame a tough shooting night by going 26-of-33 from the free throw line, including 23-of-27 in the second half. Smith led the way at the line by making 9-of-11
Smith’s biggest contribution came with 1:30 left in the game when he had a steal, took the ball coast-to-coast and finished with an old-fashion 3-point play to put the Razorbacks up seven.
However, it was Anthony Black’s two clutch 3-pointers that spurred the Razorbacks to the win. First, he capped an 8-0 run to put Arkansas on top, 34-33, early in the second half. Later, with 3:09 to play, Smith found Ricky Council IV who quickly swung the ball to an open Black on the right wing to put the Hogs up 54-49. Black finished with 11 points.
The Razorbacks were down at halftime and trailed with five minutes to play but outscored the Spartans 17-9 over the final five minutes, holding UNCG to 1-of-8 shooting at one point.
UNCG was able to stay in the game thanks to making nine 3-pointers, including four from Donovan Atwell for a team-high 12 points. Dante Treacy and Kobe Langley added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
For the Razorbacks, Mitchell posted his ninth career double-double – and first at Arkansas – with his 13 points and 14 rebounds (all on the defensive end). He additionally accounted for four of Arkansas’ nine blocked shots. Davis recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while adding three steals.
Up next, Arkansas will play back-to-back games on neutral floors. First, the Razorbacks will be the home team in the second annual Crimson and Cardinal Classic on Saturday (Dec. 10) versus Oklahoma in Tulsa’s BOK Center. Tipoff is set for Noon (CT) and the game will be televised on ESPN2. The following Saturday (Dec. 17), Arkansas will make its annual trip to North Little Rock to host Bradley at Simmons Bank Arena. Tipoff is set for 3 pm (CT).
