A UConn player blocks the shot of Arkansas guard Ricky Council. — Arkansas Razorbacks guard Ricky Council IV (1) shoots the ball against UConn Huskies guard Jordan Hawkins (24) during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. (Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports0

Razorbacks Obliterated by UConn in Sweet 16

Arkansas suffers worst non-exhibition loss of the year as Huskies end college career of several Hogs

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Mar 23, 2023 10:02 PM EDT

In this story:

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Never before has an Eric Musselman team looked unprepared, but the Arkansas Razorbacks looked lost from the opening tip as the UConn Huskies ran circles around the Hogs on both ends of the floor in a 88-65 loss that could have been much worse.

In the words of the great philosopher Nick Fury, "Ant. Boot."

As no point did it feel close, nor was there ever a feeling of hope, even when Arkansas went on a 10-point run to cut it from 29 points to 19 over a 26 second span during the 13 minute mark of the second half.

To put things in perspective, not only did the Razorbacks not lead the entire game, a team that has prided itself on its highlight dunks didn't produce a single one until Barry Dunning, Jr. technically hit a dunk with 50 seconds left on a follow.

Midway through the first half it was a double-digit game for good when Joey Calcaterra buried a three to make it 28-17.

The Huskies shot 61% on 17-of-28 shooting in the first half before falling to 57.4% for the game.

UConn, led on the outside by Jordan Hawkins' 24 points, used screens to free up shooters beyond the 3-point arc and simply drained it in a defender's face if the screen didn't work.

Meanwhile, down low, Adama Sanogo destroyed Arkansas down low with a series of elbows, hooks and power moves. Kamani Johnson, who fouled out with over seven minutes left in the game, will probably wake up tomorrow morning looking like Rocky Balboa after his first fight with Apollo.

Arkansas only had three players, each of which aren't expected back next year, who finished in double digits.

Anthony Black led all Razorbacks with 20 points. Ricky Council wraps his Arkansas career with a 17 point performance that gives him 581 points for the season.

The third was a surprising 11 points from Nick Smith who struggled throughout the tournament. It is expected that he will put his name in the NBA draft also.

The final spurt closes out his time at Arkansas with 213 total points as a Razorback.