Stepping in the Right Direction?

Arkansas, in what Stan Heath described as a “must win game,” managed to hand the Auburn Tigers their fourth conference loss. Given the talent level and overall record of Auburn I’m not sure this is something to be particularly impressed with...but at least we took some steps in the right direction.

Here are the stats to take note of from the Auburn game:

• Free throws –- Arkansas had 25 attempts, making 21.
• Three point attempts –- Arkansas took only 13, making 5.
• Auburn shooting percentage -- .373.
• Three point attempts -- Auburn had 19, making 4.
• Townes and Hill ended the game with 1 foul each and combined for 3 blocked shots.
• Charles Thomas had 12 points, 12 rebounds (7 on the offensive glass), and shot 6-7 from the free throw line.
• Modica contributed 17 points and was 4-4 on free throws.

These stats tell you Arkansas was aggressive in taking the ball to the basket and played some pretty good defense. With our backs against the wall so to speak we proved, at least for one game, that we understand the fundamental starting points for winning basketball.

Arkansas lost the rebounding war by 2, but won the turnover war by 4. Both teams had a bunch of turnovers.

The formula for the Hogs winning games has these components: Big guys stay out of foul trouble so they can stay in the game; Brewer plays aggressive, gets to the free throw line, and contributes 20 plus points; Townes, Hill, and Thomas get a combined 20 points; Arkansas plays strong in the paint; Modica contributes 10-15 points and the combination of Ferguson and Jefferson contribute at least 10 points and limit turnovers.

Accomplishing these point totals will not be possible without good ball movement and aggressive defense. 65 total points requires that we defense play well enough to hold the opponent to under 65 points and/or get a few more points along the way.

The formula for losing has these components: Opponents go aggressive at the basket and get big guys in foul trouble; Arkansas offense plays passive and settles for 3 pointers; either Charles Thomas or Modica disappear for much of the game.

Stan Heath shortened his rotation for the Auburn game. That’s okay with me if the guys on the court are playing with intensity and attacking the basket. If they are standing around on offense then I want to see McCurdy and McGowan in the game to add some energy.

McGowan and Hunter will be important down the stretch if this team plans on making any type of tournament run, as foul trouble with our big men is pretty much unavoidable over the long run. Stan needs to take opportunities to get these guys some minutes. Remember that Nolan would have never made the Final Four without those two seven foot freshman playing some strong minutes at key times in the tournament.

Mississippi will be tough to beat in Bud Walton Wednesday night. Kentucky is bound to be pretty tough at their place considering how badly they’ve played lately.

The Hogs better bring their “A” game.