The Arkansas Razorbacks got down to business Friday night at Bud Walton Arena, brushing off the Little Rock Trojans 79-67 in a game that was equal parts finesse and fight. For the No. 20 Razorbacks, it wasn’t just about running up the scoreboard — it was about showing heart when it mattered most.
Game Flow: From Easy Street to Grind City
Arkansas came out like a squad on a mission, jumping to a 22-point lead early. But Little Rock wasn’t here for the blowout narrative. The Trojans clawed their way back, cutting the deficit to just seven in the second half, forcing Arkansas to dig deep. And dig they did. Freshman phenom Boogie Fland knocked down a dagger three, and Adou Thiero, the team’s Mr. Everything, sealed the deal with clutch plays on both ends.
“Man, when it’s crunch time, that’s when I’m locked in,” Thiero said, fresh off a stat line that had the arena buzzing: 23 points, 8 boards, 6 steals, and 2 blocks. “It’s about heart and hustle, and this team’s got plenty of both.”
Players Ball
It was Thiero’s night, but he wasn’t alone. Boogie Fland poured in 21 points, showing the poise of a veteran with ice-cold shooting when it counted. DJ Wagner added 11, keeping the Trojans on their toes with smooth drives to the rim. Zvonimir Ivisic chipped in 10 and held down the paint like a bouncer at the club.
Little Rock’s Mwani Wilkinson refused to back down, leading the Trojans with 18 points and plenty of hustle plays to keep it interesting.
Numbers Don’t Lie
• Arkansas Shooting: 48% from the floor, 36% from downtown. Efficient and deadly when it mattered most.
• Turnovers: Arkansas forced 16, turning defense into instant offense.
• Rebounds: The Hogs won the battle on the boards, 35-30, with Thiero leading the charge.
The Streets Are Talking
Coach John Calipari was hyped after the game. “We’ve got fighters on this team. Adou? He’s a monster. Boogie? Ice in his veins. These guys are learning how to win.”
Little Rock coach Darrell Walker kept it real: “You can’t dig a hole like that and expect to climb out against a team like Arkansas. But I’m proud of my guys. They fought.”
Vibes at Bud Walton
The crowd was electric, with fans bringing that SEC energy. Bud Walton Arena felt like a cauldron, with nearly 20,000 roaring for every steal, dunk, and clutch bucket.
“You feed off that energy,” Fland said. “When the crowd’s rocking, you don’t get tired — you just go harder.”
Looking Ahead
The Razorbacks are building something special. With veteran leadership and young guns stepping up, this squad is poised to make noise in the SEC. Next up: a battle against Maryland Eastern Shore on November 25. If Arkansas keeps showing this level of grit, the season could be legendary.
Final Score: Arkansas 79, Little Rock 67.
Takeaway: The Razorbacks aren’t just playing to win — they’re playing to dominate. And they’ve got the squad to do it.
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