Bounces back

Arkansas junior guard Ricky Council, a second team All-SEC pick by the coaches and media averaging a team-high 16.0 points, was held to 12 in two games at the SEC Tournament against Auburn and Texas A&M on 3-of-14 shooting.

Council returned to form with team-highs of 18 points and 10 rebounds to help the Razorbacks beat Illinois 7363 on Thursday. He hit 11 of 13 free throws, including 6 of 6 in the final 1:21 and also had a steal and layup with 1:38 left as the Razorbacks pulled away to win.

“Most definitely the SEC Tournament, to say the least, was frustrating,” Council said. “Being able to get back and have the second double-double of my career, that felt really good as well as getting a win.

“Getting back on track, that definitely gives me momentum for [today’s game against Kansas].”

Council’s rebounds were a season-high, surpassing the seven he had against Missouri and Florida. His career high for rebounds is 15 last season for Wichita State against Tulane last season, when he also had 10 against Houston.

“Ricky has been our leading scorer, a guy we tried to rely on as a go-to player,” Arkansas Coach Eric Musselman said. “He’s a high volume free-throw attempt player.

“I thought one thing Ricky did an awesome job at [against Illinois] and something we have really needed from him — because he’s got the ability with his length, his strength, combination of speed and quickness off the floor — is defensive rebounding.

“I thought his rebounding was really, really vital for our win.”

Council has a team-high 36 of the Razorbacks’ 158 dunks, many in highlight style.

“Ricky is an explosive athlete,” Kansas assistant coach Norm Roberts said. “His first step is ridiculously quick and he’s explosive to the rim. He’s a really, really good player and has had a great year for them.”