Big game helps Tate rebound
FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas point guard Jalen Tate picked a fine way to recover from an off-night, scoring 22 points and grabbing a teamhigh seven rebounds in the No. 12 Razorbacks’ 87-80 win over Texas A&M on Saturday.
Tate struggled against South Carolina’s zone Tuesday, often playing as the entry man near the free-throw line, where he had defenders clawing at the ball from in front and back of him. He went 1-of-5 shooting for 2 points with 1 assist, 1 rebound and 3 turnovers in Columbia, S.C.
The 6-6 grad transfer played more up top against the Texas A&M zone and did a good job penetrating for mid-range jumpers and kicking out to the wing. Tate shot 9 of 17 from the field, made both of his free throws, had 4 assists and 1 turnover in 37 minutes.
“I still have to put the work in when I’m not having nights that I want to have, honestly, and finding ways to help my teammates in other ways,” Tate said. “I was focused on being on the glass a little bit if I couldn’t score, or just affecting the game in any way I could and finding any way I can.”
Tate had a +13 in the plus-minus ratings and was second on the team behind Moses Moody’s +15.
“He did a great job,” Coach Eric Musselman said. “I mean, defensive rebounding was an area that I didn’t think we were good enough tonight at, and he went out and … had six defensive rebounds, which was huge for us.”
Musselman didn’t mince words when assessing Tate’s play at South Carolina.
“I don’t think he played very well at all,” he said. “I thought it was one of his worst games, actually.”
Tate hit a mid-range jumper to give Arkansas its first lead of the second half with 11:52 remaining and played winning ball aside from whiffing on an uncontested layup.
“The biggest thing to me with Tate tonight was he played 36 minutes and 44 seconds and had one turnover and led us in defensive rebounding,” Musselman said. “Then you add in the fact that he had 4 assists and 22 points, he was phenomenal.”