The Razorbacks faced a tough battle against the No. 22 Rebels at Bud Walton Arena, ultimately falling short with a 73-66 loss. Despite showing significant improvement over their previous SEC opener, key challenges in shooting accuracy and big-man contributions hindered their progress.

Uncover the Critical Factors Behind Arkansas' Narrow Loss to Ole Miss

Offensive Challenges Persist in Second Half

The Razorbacks demonstrated early promise, hitting 12 of their first 21 shots. However, this momentum waned significantly as the game progressed. By halftime, Arkansas found itself locked in a tie, but the second half proved particularly challenging. The team's shooting percentage plummeted to a mere 31% after the break. Transition opportunities were scarce, primarily due to Ole Miss’s ball control and minimal turnovers. This was the second consecutive match where shooting struggles played a pivotal role in the outcome. Even from the free-throw line, Arkansas struggled, converting only 17 out of 24 attempts.The inability to maintain offensive consistency was evident. Arkansas had difficulty generating quality scoring chances in their half-court offense, further exacerbating the problem. This trend of fading offensive firepower is a growing concern for the team, especially as they prepare for upcoming matches against formidable opponents like Florida.

Big Men Need to Step Up

One of the most glaring issues from the matchup was the lackluster performance of Arkansas’s big men. Jonas Aidoo and Trevon Brazile combined for just three points, while Zvonimir Ivisic failed to score and saw limited playing time. With Arkansas trailing by 10 points late in the game, the need for inside scoring became increasingly urgent. The Razorbacks have traditionally relied on their guards, but this imbalance leaves them vulnerable. To secure more victories, the team must find ways to integrate their big men into the scoring mix effectively.Moreover, the guards need to improve their ability to create easy scoring opportunities inside. A balanced attack that leverages both perimeter shooting and interior presence will be crucial for the Razorbacks moving forward. Without this synergy, Arkansas risks falling behind in the competitive SEC landscape.

Johnell Davis Shines Briefly, Then Fades

Johnell Davis provided a glimmer of hope in the first half, emerging as one of the Razorbacks’ standout players. Fresh off a wrist injury, Davis showcased his confidence with 11 points on efficient shooting. His versatility was on display as he made quick decisions whether to pull up or drive to the basket. However, this promising start did not carry over into the second half, where Davis managed only four additional points.Davis has been primarily used as a spot-up shooter under John Calipari’s system, but his potential extends beyond that role. For Arkansas to maximize his talents, the coaching staff must explore different ways to involve him in the offense. Whether through more playmaking opportunities or varied offensive sets, finding a way to keep Davis engaged throughout the entire game could be a game-changer for the Razorbacks.