New York witnessed an intense battle as Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari emphasized patience and a process during his first season in Fayetteville. But when it mattered most, the Razorbacks showed their mettle.

Arkansas Basketball's Will to Win in the Jimmy V Classic

First Half Struggles and Comeback Beginnings

Arkansas found themselves trailing by double digits against a Power 4 team for the fourth straight game in the first half. However, they showed remarkable resilience and turned Michigan's 15-point lead with 8:58 on the clock into a four-point deficit at halftime. This turnaround was a testament to their determination and ability to adapt. They ran and played faster, spread the court, and made some crucial baskets, including a three-pointer. This sparked their wheels and set the stage for an epic comeback.During this period, the backcourt tandem of Boogie Fland and DJ Wagner played a crucial role. Fland had 20 points and seven assists on the night, while Wagner chipped in 16. Their energy and chemistry on the court were palpable, and they controlled the game during the Hogs' hottest spurt.

Second Half Dominance and Rebounding Battle

In the second half, Arkansas truly showed their mettle. Despite going against a team with two 7-footers, they won the rebounding battle 34-32. Their determination to prevent easy baskets and hold up on the glass sparked a 12-0 run to open the half. In total, they outscored Michigan 66-33 during the middle 20 minutes. This physicality and dominance on the boards was a key factor in their victory.According to Michigan coach Dusty May, Arkansas' physical play sparked the will to win. Their ability to battle on the boards and force Michigan to work for every shot was a major advantage.

Final Minutes and Heroic Plays

The comeback continued into the final minutes of the game. Trevon Brazile was one of the heroes for Arkansas. He had a game-saving block on Vlad Goldin to maintain a one-point lead in the dying seconds. However, he also missed three critical free throws in the final minute that could have put the game to bed. But his defensive play was crucial in securing the victory.Overall, Arkansas' 89-87 win over No. 14 Michigan was a testament to their will to win. They shot 50% overall and 39.1% from 3, and forced 17 turnovers. There aren't any marquee non-conference games left on the schedule, but this victory will give them confidence as they prepare to face Central Arkansas, NC A&T, and Oakland before opening life in the SEC against No. 1 Tennessee.Calipari wouldn't put any added emphasis on the win over Michigan to his triumph over Miami, but in a packed Madison Square Garden in front of a national audience, the Hogs needed to find a way. And they did just that, and now they can build off their will to win.