FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas Razorbacks won their 29th conference indoor track championship and their 17th in the SEC on Sunday by narrowly topping Florida 123 points to 119 with LSU placing third at 108.5 pointsat the Tyson Indoor Track Center. Click here to read more about the Razorbacks latest SEC title.
Hogs win SEC Indoor Track Championship
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Diamond Hogs sweep Troy
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
FAYETTEVILLE — The Razorbacks (5-1) got a scare in the final game of their three-game baseball series with the Troy Trojans, but held on for a 7-6 victory to earn a sweep.
The Hogs jumped out to a 7-0 lead with a two-run first and a five-run second, but lost focus and allowed the Trojans to work themselves back into the game.
In the seventh, Geoffrey Davenport inherited two baserunners with one out, and after giving up a single, he had to work himself out of a bases-loaded jam to protect the Hogs’ 7-6 lead.
Click here for more information on the game.
Arkansas performing well at SEC Indoor Track Championships
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ men and Florida’s women are leading in the SEC Indoor Track and Field Championship going into today’s final events. For more on the Razorbacks, click here and here for more on the Lady’Backs.
The action cranks back yp at 1 p.m. at the Tyson Indoor Track Center. The highlight show for the event will air at 8 p.m. on March 11 on ESPNU.
Highlights from Saturday include Tina Suteg setting a UA and SEC Championship record in the pole vault by clearing 14-7.25. The Razorbacks placed first and second in the long jump with Alain Bailey with a leap of 26-9.75, while Tarik Batchelor jumped 26-6.5 to place second.
Diamond Hogs move to 4-1
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team moved to 4-1 on the season with a taught 10-8 victory over the Troy Trojans. For more info, click here.
The Hogs close out the series at 1:05 p.m. at Baum Stadium and are back in action at 3:05 p.m. Tuesday for their first midweek game of the season when they host Kansas.
UA-Vandy Game Blog
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
FINAL: Vanderbilt 89, Arkansas 72
The Razorbacks have now lost three games in a row and four of their last five. Maybe, the roller coaster the Hogs have been riding all season will start to go up, but that is a long shot since they visit Tennessee on Wednesday. The Vols knocked off No. 2 Kentucky on Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The loss wasn’t as ugly as the one at LSU last Wednesday, but that’s possibly because Vanderbilt was a more skilled team. They sliced and diced the Razorbacks defense with exceptional execution and on target shooting.
The Commodores made the contest look easy. That’s more of a compliment to Vanderbilt and Kevin Stallings than a criticism of the Hogs.
Arkansas was beaten by a superior team, but that fact doesn’t make the losses any easier for fans to swallow.
UPDATE: Vandy 73, Arkansas 48 (8:29 second half)
The Razorbacks came out with a little extra fire in the second half, but Vandy quickly extinguished it with their methodical yet acute execution. They’ve stretched a 10-point lead to 25 but just sticking to their fundamentals as the Hogs struggled to keep up.
The Razorbacks are still giving effort, but it’s not enough against a superior basketball team that is not letting down.
Vandy 45, Arkansas 35 (Half)
FAYETTEVILLE — The Razorbacks are playing much better than they did last Wednesday at LSU, but No. 16 Vanderbilt is certainly a more difficult opponent. The Commodores jumped out to an 8-4 lead early and never trailed in the first half.
Marshawn Powell scored his 21st point of the first half with 1:14 to play on a dunk set up by a nice dish by Michael Washington. He has put his poor performance at LSU out of his and everybody else’s mind.
The Hogs were more fluid on offense in the first half than in their previous two games, but Vanderbilt is breaking down Arkansas defense fairly easily the entire half. But the deficit is just 10 points. If the Hogs can crank up the screws on defense, they might have a chance of getting back into the game in the second half.
Vandy 39, Arkansas 27 (3:38 first half)
With 5:47 left in the first half, Marshawn Powell has 13 of the Hogs’ 23 points. He’s playing like an All-SEC Freshman selection again.
Courtney Fortson just set up Powell with a whirling assist for his 15th point with 4:14 to play.
Vanderbilt 31, Arkansas 19 (7:45 first half)
Arkansas came out of the time out in a full-court trap and forced a Vanderbilt turnover in transition, and Marshawn Powell scored a jumper on the other end. He’s carrying the Hogs on offense at the moment , and I wrote too soon earlier and am eating my words.
Juylsses Nobles made a perfect, in-transition bounce pass to set up Rotnei Clarke for a trey with 9:41 to play, but Vandy is maintaining their double-digit lead by knocking down jumper after jumper.
Vandy 18, Arkansas 11 (11:50 first half)
After his seven-turnover performance at LSU, Marshawn Powell is still playing tentative inside. The Commodores are pushing the Hogs’ bigs off the blocks and making them shoot jumpers.
Powell scored a trash basket at 14:12., to cut Vandy’s lead to 14-7. Maybe that will get him going.
Freshman guard Julysses Nobles entered the game at 12:33. He did not play as a coach’s decision at LSU.
Powell just popped a three-pointer from the top of the key to shave Vandy’s advantage to 18-11. Maybe I should eat my words.
Vandy 10, Arkansas 5 (15:25 first half)
Michael Washington is off the bench and set to check in. Maybe, he will give the Hogs an inside presence they have been lacking in the early going.
Kevin Stallings’ Commodores have looked sharp offensively, and their inside size has troubled the Hogs on offense in the early going.
UA-Vandy Blog Pre-Game
There’s a good crowd in Walton Arena today. Better than the last two on Wednesday nights.
Michael Washington, who missed the Vanderbilt game with an ankle injury, is dressed out and on the bench for the Razorbacks; however, Delvon Johnson is starting at center along with Courtney Fortson and Rotnei Clarke at guards and Marcus Britt and Marshawn Powell at the wings.
The Hogs have started slow with two turnovers in their first two possessions.
Petrus shows strength at NFL Draft
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
FAYETTEVILLE — Mitch Petrus was known as the strongest Hog during his tenure on Arkansas’ offensive line and proved to be one of the strongest men at the NFL Combine this week. Petrus bench pressed 225 pounds 45 times to tie a combine record.
NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper belittled Petrus’ effort Saturday morning on an ESPN radio broadcast, saying the Carlisle native has short arms.
Well, that may be so, but pressing 225 pounds 45 times is an impressive feat no matter what. I’d like to see Kiper bench 225 once, without using his mouth or whatever he uses to lift his hair.
Petrus, who play guard, fullback and tight end at various times for the Razorbacks; is projected to go as high as the third round of the NFL Draft.
Former Hog Robertson arrested for alarming charges
Friday, February 26th, 2010
FAYETTEVILLE — Razorbacks fans who date back to the early 1980s no doubt remember Alvin Robertson as one of the toughest guards ever to lace up sneakers for the Razorbacks.
The 6-4 guard from Barberton, Ohio, was known for having a mean streak on the basketball floor, and his hard-scrabble background was well documented by media that covered the team, but the news of his arrest Friday on charges of sexual assault of a 14 year old and sex trafficing are alarming, to say the least.
The former NBA All-Star for the San Antonio Spurs and Olympic gold medalist with the 1984 U.S. Basketball Team had a history of trouble since his retirement from the NBA in 1996, but nothing like this.
It’s truly sad when the poor decisions of former athlete casts a shadow on any athletics program or professional franchise, particularly so many years after the affiliation with the school or franchise had ended.
But as bright as the spotlight shines on sports stars in their moments of glory, it never seems to burn as hot as when those stars fall.
And if Robertson is guilty of the charges, thank goodness he’s off the streets.
Question of the Day: Can Hogs Win the West
Friday, February 26th, 2010
FAYETTEVILLE — After dropping road games to Auburn last Saturday and to LSU on Wednesday, the Razorbacks basketball team has dropped to second place in the SEC West.
With three games to play, do you think the Razorbacks still have a chance to win or tie for their first Western Division crown since the 1994-95 season?
Do that have a shot at beating Vandy on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in Walton?
If they do, would it be the biggest victory of John Pelphrey’s tenure with the Hogs?
Let us know your thoughts in the Calling the Hogs forums.
Ankle Injury Sidelines Washington
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas senior forward Michael Washington missed the LSU loss Wednesday night after injury his right ankle in practice Tuesday.
Arkansas coach John Pelphrey was unsure of the the 6-10 big man’s availability for Saturday’s 12:30 p.m. game against Vanderbilt.
Rotnei Clarke said that Washington injured his ankle in a non-contact, live drill.
“He fell kind of awkwardly, but there was no contact,” Clarke said. “Mike is a big part of our team. He’s a senior and a great leader. I hope he’s back.”
If Washington cannot play Saturday, the Hogs will need more than the 5 points and 2 rebounds that Marshawn Powell provided for them in the 65-54 loss to LSU.
“I think if we go inside more,” Clarke said. “We didn’t do a good job of jamming it inside. If we play more inside-out, things should open up for us.”
Whether Washington plays or not Pelphrey will likely call upon junior post Delvon Johnson and freshman forward Glenn Bryant to provide some punch off the bench. Johnson scored 5 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and blocked a shot for the Hogs, while Bryant grabbed 6 rebounds and scored 9 points.
Bryant, who stands 6-7, is perhaps the Razorbacks best athlete, but his fundamentals and knowledge of Arkansas’ schemes are not up to his physical level, yet. When the two intersect, Pelphrey, said Bryant could be a very good player for the Hogs.
COACH’S DECISION
Despite the fact the Razorbacks struggled with turnovers against the Tigers, freshman guard Julysses Nobles did not get into the game. Nobles started the Hogs’ first 14 games this season while sophomore point guard Courtney Fortson was suspended. He has a good handle and has backed up Fortson since his return and played some along with the Hogs’ dynamic point guard.
“He was not in trouble,” Pelphrey said. “It was my decision that he did not play.”
Busted Flat in Baton Rouge
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach John Pelphrey and guard Rotnei Clarke offered no good excuse for the Razorbacks’ woeful performance Wednesday in their 65-54 loss to previously winless in SEC play LSU when reviewing the game on Thursday.
Several Razorbacks play well below the bar they have set for themselves. Courtney Fortson took 18 shots to score 18 points and had 7 turnovers, while Clarke took 14 shots to net 14 points. Marshawn Powell did a great impression of the Invisible Man with just 2 rebounds and 5 points, other than the fact he had 7 turnovers.
I’m disappointed we lost,” Pelphrey said. “Going through it at the time, I certainly felt we were lacking some energy or emotion. There were some careless turnovers that led to easy baskets. Looking at it again, we tried to play hard. They just did a good job on us. We struggled to score points. Marshawn didn’t have a good game. He picked up two fouls very quick and that kind of changed us. We got one dimensional pretty quick.”
With Michael Washington left in Fayetteville with an ankle injury and Powell struggling against LSU’s zone, the Razorbacks resorted to outside shots.
“We didn’t hit any shots,” Clarke said. “We got good looks; I just didn’t knock them down.”
The quick outside shots and the careless ball handling teamwide allowed the Tigers to roll out to an early lead, which the Hogs could not overcome.
Clarke said the Razorbacks are still confident after the loss and that they will hit the practice floor ready to work in preparation for their 12:30 p.m. Saturday contest with Vanderbilt (20-6, 9-3). Vanderbilt. The Commodores play at Georgia at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Hogs win SEC Indoor Track Championship
Sunday, February 28th, 2010Diamond Hogs sweep Troy
Sunday, February 28th, 2010FAYETTEVILLE — The Razorbacks (5-1) got a scare in the final game of their three-game baseball series with the Troy Trojans, but held on for a 7-6 victory to earn a sweep.
The Hogs jumped out to a 7-0 lead with a two-run first and a five-run second, but lost focus and allowed the Trojans to work themselves back into the game.
In the seventh, Geoffrey Davenport inherited two baserunners with one out, and after giving up a single, he had to work himself out of a bases-loaded jam to protect the Hogs’ 7-6 lead.
Click here for more information on the game.
Arkansas performing well at SEC Indoor Track Championships
Sunday, February 28th, 2010FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ men and Florida’s women are leading in the SEC Indoor Track and Field Championship going into today’s final events. For more on the Razorbacks, click here and here for more on the Lady’Backs.
The action cranks back yp at 1 p.m. at the Tyson Indoor Track Center. The highlight show for the event will air at 8 p.m. on March 11 on ESPNU.
Highlights from Saturday include Tina Suteg setting a UA and SEC Championship record in the pole vault by clearing 14-7.25. The Razorbacks placed first and second in the long jump with Alain Bailey with a leap of 26-9.75, while Tarik Batchelor jumped 26-6.5 to place second.
Diamond Hogs move to 4-1
Sunday, February 28th, 2010FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team moved to 4-1 on the season with a taught 10-8 victory over the Troy Trojans. For more info, click here.
The Hogs close out the series at 1:05 p.m. at Baum Stadium and are back in action at 3:05 p.m. Tuesday for their first midweek game of the season when they host Kansas.
UA-Vandy Game Blog
Saturday, February 27th, 2010FINAL: Vanderbilt 89, Arkansas 72
The Razorbacks have now lost three games in a row and four of their last five. Maybe, the roller coaster the Hogs have been riding all season will start to go up, but that is a long shot since they visit Tennessee on Wednesday. The Vols knocked off No. 2 Kentucky on Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The loss wasn’t as ugly as the one at LSU last Wednesday, but that’s possibly because Vanderbilt was a more skilled team. They sliced and diced the Razorbacks defense with exceptional execution and on target shooting.
The Commodores made the contest look easy. That’s more of a compliment to Vanderbilt and Kevin Stallings than a criticism of the Hogs.
Arkansas was beaten by a superior team, but that fact doesn’t make the losses any easier for fans to swallow.
UPDATE: Vandy 73, Arkansas 48 (8:29 second half)
The Razorbacks came out with a little extra fire in the second half, but Vandy quickly extinguished it with their methodical yet acute execution. They’ve stretched a 10-point lead to 25 but just sticking to their fundamentals as the Hogs struggled to keep up.
The Razorbacks are still giving effort, but it’s not enough against a superior basketball team that is not letting down.
Vandy 45, Arkansas 35 (Half)
FAYETTEVILLE — The Razorbacks are playing much better than they did last Wednesday at LSU, but No. 16 Vanderbilt is certainly a more difficult opponent. The Commodores jumped out to an 8-4 lead early and never trailed in the first half.
Marshawn Powell scored his 21st point of the first half with 1:14 to play on a dunk set up by a nice dish by Michael Washington. He has put his poor performance at LSU out of his and everybody else’s mind.
The Hogs were more fluid on offense in the first half than in their previous two games, but Vanderbilt is breaking down Arkansas defense fairly easily the entire half. But the deficit is just 10 points. If the Hogs can crank up the screws on defense, they might have a chance of getting back into the game in the second half.
Vandy 39, Arkansas 27 (3:38 first half)
With 5:47 left in the first half, Marshawn Powell has 13 of the Hogs’ 23 points. He’s playing like an All-SEC Freshman selection again.
Courtney Fortson just set up Powell with a whirling assist for his 15th point with 4:14 to play.
Vanderbilt 31, Arkansas 19 (7:45 first half)
Arkansas came out of the time out in a full-court trap and forced a Vanderbilt turnover in transition, and Marshawn Powell scored a jumper on the other end. He’s carrying the Hogs on offense at the moment , and I wrote too soon earlier and am eating my words.
Juylsses Nobles made a perfect, in-transition bounce pass to set up Rotnei Clarke for a trey with 9:41 to play, but Vandy is maintaining their double-digit lead by knocking down jumper after jumper.
Vandy 18, Arkansas 11 (11:50 first half)
After his seven-turnover performance at LSU, Marshawn Powell is still playing tentative inside. The Commodores are pushing the Hogs’ bigs off the blocks and making them shoot jumpers.
Powell scored a trash basket at 14:12., to cut Vandy’s lead to 14-7. Maybe that will get him going.
Freshman guard Julysses Nobles entered the game at 12:33. He did not play as a coach’s decision at LSU.
Powell just popped a three-pointer from the top of the key to shave Vandy’s advantage to 18-11. Maybe I should eat my words.
Vandy 10, Arkansas 5 (15:25 first half)
Michael Washington is off the bench and set to check in. Maybe, he will give the Hogs an inside presence they have been lacking in the early going.
Kevin Stallings’ Commodores have looked sharp offensively, and their inside size has troubled the Hogs on offense in the early going.
UA-Vandy Blog Pre-Game
There’s a good crowd in Walton Arena today. Better than the last two on Wednesday nights.
Michael Washington, who missed the Vanderbilt game with an ankle injury, is dressed out and on the bench for the Razorbacks; however, Delvon Johnson is starting at center along with Courtney Fortson and Rotnei Clarke at guards and Marcus Britt and Marshawn Powell at the wings.
The Hogs have started slow with two turnovers in their first two possessions.
Petrus shows strength at NFL Draft
Saturday, February 27th, 2010FAYETTEVILLE — Mitch Petrus was known as the strongest Hog during his tenure on Arkansas’ offensive line and proved to be one of the strongest men at the NFL Combine this week. Petrus bench pressed 225 pounds 45 times to tie a combine record.
NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper belittled Petrus’ effort Saturday morning on an ESPN radio broadcast, saying the Carlisle native has short arms.
Well, that may be so, but pressing 225 pounds 45 times is an impressive feat no matter what. I’d like to see Kiper bench 225 once, without using his mouth or whatever he uses to lift his hair.
Petrus, who play guard, fullback and tight end at various times for the Razorbacks; is projected to go as high as the third round of the NFL Draft.
Former Hog Robertson arrested for alarming charges
Friday, February 26th, 2010FAYETTEVILLE — Razorbacks fans who date back to the early 1980s no doubt remember Alvin Robertson as one of the toughest guards ever to lace up sneakers for the Razorbacks.
The 6-4 guard from Barberton, Ohio, was known for having a mean streak on the basketball floor, and his hard-scrabble background was well documented by media that covered the team, but the news of his arrest Friday on charges of sexual assault of a 14 year old and sex trafficing are alarming, to say the least.
The former NBA All-Star for the San Antonio Spurs and Olympic gold medalist with the 1984 U.S. Basketball Team had a history of trouble since his retirement from the NBA in 1996, but nothing like this.
It’s truly sad when the poor decisions of former athlete casts a shadow on any athletics program or professional franchise, particularly so many years after the affiliation with the school or franchise had ended.
But as bright as the spotlight shines on sports stars in their moments of glory, it never seems to burn as hot as when those stars fall.
And if Robertson is guilty of the charges, thank goodness he’s off the streets.
Question of the Day: Can Hogs Win the West
Friday, February 26th, 2010FAYETTEVILLE — After dropping road games to Auburn last Saturday and to LSU on Wednesday, the Razorbacks basketball team has dropped to second place in the SEC West.
With three games to play, do you think the Razorbacks still have a chance to win or tie for their first Western Division crown since the 1994-95 season?
Do that have a shot at beating Vandy on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in Walton?
If they do, would it be the biggest victory of John Pelphrey’s tenure with the Hogs?
Let us know your thoughts in the Calling the Hogs forums.
Ankle Injury Sidelines Washington
Thursday, February 25th, 2010FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas senior forward Michael Washington missed the LSU loss Wednesday night after injury his right ankle in practice Tuesday.
Arkansas coach John Pelphrey was unsure of the the 6-10 big man’s availability for Saturday’s 12:30 p.m. game against Vanderbilt.
Rotnei Clarke said that Washington injured his ankle in a non-contact, live drill.
“He fell kind of awkwardly, but there was no contact,” Clarke said. “Mike is a big part of our team. He’s a senior and a great leader. I hope he’s back.”
If Washington cannot play Saturday, the Hogs will need more than the 5 points and 2 rebounds that Marshawn Powell provided for them in the 65-54 loss to LSU.
“I think if we go inside more,” Clarke said. “We didn’t do a good job of jamming it inside. If we play more inside-out, things should open up for us.”
Whether Washington plays or not Pelphrey will likely call upon junior post Delvon Johnson and freshman forward Glenn Bryant to provide some punch off the bench. Johnson scored 5 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and blocked a shot for the Hogs, while Bryant grabbed 6 rebounds and scored 9 points.
Bryant, who stands 6-7, is perhaps the Razorbacks best athlete, but his fundamentals and knowledge of Arkansas’ schemes are not up to his physical level, yet. When the two intersect, Pelphrey, said Bryant could be a very good player for the Hogs.
COACH’S DECISION
Despite the fact the Razorbacks struggled with turnovers against the Tigers, freshman guard Julysses Nobles did not get into the game. Nobles started the Hogs’ first 14 games this season while sophomore point guard Courtney Fortson was suspended. He has a good handle and has backed up Fortson since his return and played some along with the Hogs’ dynamic point guard.
“He was not in trouble,” Pelphrey said. “It was my decision that he did not play.”
Busted Flat in Baton Rouge
Thursday, February 25th, 2010FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach John Pelphrey and guard Rotnei Clarke offered no good excuse for the Razorbacks’ woeful performance Wednesday in their 65-54 loss to previously winless in SEC play LSU when reviewing the game on Thursday.
Several Razorbacks play well below the bar they have set for themselves. Courtney Fortson took 18 shots to score 18 points and had 7 turnovers, while Clarke took 14 shots to net 14 points. Marshawn Powell did a great impression of the Invisible Man with just 2 rebounds and 5 points, other than the fact he had 7 turnovers.
I’m disappointed we lost,” Pelphrey said. “Going through it at the time, I certainly felt we were lacking some energy or emotion. There were some careless turnovers that led to easy baskets. Looking at it again, we tried to play hard. They just did a good job on us. We struggled to score points. Marshawn didn’t have a good game. He picked up two fouls very quick and that kind of changed us. We got one dimensional pretty quick.”
With Michael Washington left in Fayetteville with an ankle injury and Powell struggling against LSU’s zone, the Razorbacks resorted to outside shots.
“We didn’t hit any shots,” Clarke said. “We got good looks; I just didn’t knock them down.”
The quick outside shots and the careless ball handling teamwide allowed the Tigers to roll out to an early lead, which the Hogs could not overcome.
Clarke said the Razorbacks are still confident after the loss and that they will hit the practice floor ready to work in preparation for their 12:30 p.m. Saturday contest with Vanderbilt (20-6, 9-3). Vanderbilt. The Commodores play at Georgia at 6 p.m. Thursday.
