Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Offense stuck late vs. WKU
FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas Razorbacks produced shoddy ball movement in Saturday’s 7877 loss to Western Kentucky, and it showed up in several of their possessions down the stretch, as well as on the stat sheet.
The Razorbacks (6-2) had 10 assists against the Hilltoppers, their lowest total since posting eight in the season-opening 73-71 loss in overtime against Texas.
The Hogs are averaging 22.2 assists per game in their 6 victories and 9.0 assists in their losses.
“Most of the possessions we had, it was just sticking in one person’s hands,” center Daniel Gafford said. “We had like 10 assists and one guy had seven of them, so that lets you know the ball stuck in one person’s hands and we didn’t move on offense as much.
“Basically, when we come down we have to move the ball to where we get good cuts, certain baskets and all that. Basically coming down the stretch we’ve got to move the ball. If we don’t move the ball our offense gets stuck.”
Coach Mike Anderson said the Razorbacks’ intensity was not where it needed to be against Western Kentucky.
“I thought we kind of played at their tempo,” he said. “We always talk about creating havoc and not letting people do what they want to do.
“We, for the most part, played a half-court game. Our pressure defense, even in the half court, we didn’t get after it, so I think from that standpoint I think the lesson learned is you can’t just show up no matter who you play. You’ve got to come with it each and every game.”