Although the Bulldogs’ nationally-second-ranked field goal defense held Arkansas to 36.1 percent shooting while State hit 40.8 percent from the floor, State’s 22 turnovers would prove too costly to overcome in the affair.
The game began slowly, as MSU was held without a field goal for the first 5:13. A three-pointer from Jamont Gordon would spark 10-straight points from the junior while the Bulldogs held Arkansas to just 1-of-10 shooting from the floor. Soon thereafter, however, the Razorbacks would put a significant distance between the squads with a 14-0 stretch in which UA hit six of their next seven shots.
Holding a double-digit lead throughout the remainder of the first half, Arkansas took a 43-28 lead into halftime.
State jumped out to a quick 8-0 run at the beginning of the second half, trimming the Razorback lead to just seven, but that would be as close as MSU could come despite a series of small runs throughout the period. As momentum swayed toward the home team, UA would light up in the final three minutes to stretch the final lead to 20.
After a 26-point outing in State’s 20-point victory over 15th-ranked Ole Miss on Saturday, senior Charles Rhodes continued his impressive play by recording his fifth double-double of the season and 11th of his career with 11 points and 15 rebounds on the night. Gordon led all scorers in the contest with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, while sophomore defensive standout Jarvis Varnado blocked four shots and claimed six rebounds.
Arkansas senior Sonny Weems tied a career high with five three-pointers on 10 attempts to lead the Razorbacks with 22 points. Sophomore guard Patrick Beverly recorded his second consecutive double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Bud Walton Arena has proven a difficult venue for MSU, as the Bulldogs now own a composite 3-16 record in Fayetteville.
Continuing a challenging stretch of conference play, State returns home to host seventh-ranked Tennessee (18-2, 5-1) on Saturday in a matchup of divisional leaders in the SEC. Tipoff for the event is set for 6 p.m. at Humphrey Coliseum and the clash will be televised by FSN/SUN.