Arkansas hits FTs down stretch and holds off Missouri 91-88

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. ( AP) — Chelsea Dungee scored 25 points and No. 10 Arkansas hit all eight of its free throws in the final 2: 08 to beat Missouri 91- 88 on Sunday.

Amber Ramirez, who was perfect at the line down the stretch, finished with 17 and Makayla Daniels added 16 before she left the game with 1: 28 remaining with an injury for the Razorbacks ( 10- 2, 1- 1 SEC).

The Tigers trailed by double- digits in the second half but continued to battle, pulling within 66- 63 with 7: 10 left.

After Haley Troup’s midrange shot pulled Missouri within three points, the Tigers had a chance to tie when the Razorbacks passed the ball across the half- court line on the next possession. Aijah Blackwell attempted to track down the loose ball, but instead knocked the ball out of bounds and Arkansas retained possession.

“I thought that was a good hustle play by Aijah,” said Missouri coach Robin Pingeton. “I don’t know if she touched it or not, but she obviously did. I would have loved for that to be our possession, but obviously it wasn’t.”

Instead, Arkansas kept the ball and got back- toback 3- pointers from Dungee and Destiny Slocum to give itself some breathing room at 72- 63, and the Razorbacks needed every bit of it.

Missouri ( 4- 3, 0- 2) stayed within four points at 85- 81 and again 89- 85 late, but Arkansas was able to hold on.

“We knew they were gonna come,” said Arkansas coach Mike Neighbors. “You look at their second half. They hung 54 on us. They are an explosive team. I said it in pregame to anybody who would listen to me.”

Blackwell led the way for Missouri with 20 and Haley Troup added 15 for the Tigers.

UP NEXT

Missouri: Plays at Auburn next Sunday.

Arkansas: The Razorbacks will be on the road Thursday at Tennessee.