FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In an exciting matchup on Saturday night, the Arkansas Razorbacks triumphed over No. 15 Missouri with a score of 92-85, marking their third victory against a top-15 team this season.
Zvonimir Ivisic led the Razorbacks with 20 points, while Johnell Davis contributed 18 points. The defining moment for Arkansas came during a pivotal second-half stretch, where the team transitioned from trailing by three points to establishing a seven-point lead within the final eight minutes thanks to consecutive 3-pointers from Ivisic and Davis.
Missouri, who came into the game with an impressive record, struggled with ball control, committing 18 turnovers. Arkansas capitalized on these mistakes, resulting in 30 points from turnovers, and the Razorbacks finished the game shooting at an efficient 55% from the field. D.J. Wagner added 17 points to the effort, Karter Knox followed with 14, and Adou Thiero chipped in 11 points.
The Tigers also had a strong showing from their lineup, with five players reaching double digits in scoring. Mark Mitchell topped their scoring chart with 17 points, while Marques Warrick added 16. Caleb Grill scored all of his 13 points during the first half, and both Tony Perkins and Jacob Crews contributed 10 points each.
The victory was essential for Arkansas as they keep their hopes of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament alive with this Quadrant 1 win. Meanwhile, despite the loss, Missouri remains in a solid position for the stretch run of the season, with their upcoming games against lower-ranked teams providing opportunities for redemption.
A key point in the game was Arkansas’s turnaround from the three-point line. After a disappointing first half in which they shot only 10% (1 for 10) from beyond the arc, the Razorbacks improved significantly, sinking 5 of 8 attempts in the second half.
In terms of statistics, one notable aspect was the difference in bench scoring. Missouri’s bench outscored Arkansas’s significantly at 41-12, and they also had an edge in rebounding, grabbing seven more boards than the Razorbacks. However, the Tigers’ offensive inconsistency ultimately hindered their ability to secure the win.
Looking ahead, Arkansas will be hosting Texas on Wednesday, while Missouri will prepare for their matchup against South Carolina on Tuesday.
