In moments of desperation, halftime speeches can be crucial, and Arkansas State’s coach, Bryan Hodgson, took a straightforward approach when facing a 25-point deficit against UAB. “There’s no way we could possibly perform worse than we just did,” he said to his players, setting the tone for a pivotal second half.
Typically, encountering a staggering deficit like that often results in defeated body language—slumped shoulders and downcast eyes. However, Hodgson noted an unexpected spark of confidence among his team despite the challenging circumstance. The Red Wolves not only embraced that confidence but executed one of the most remarkable comebacks in Division I basketball history, overcoming a halftime score of 53-28 to ultimately triumph over UAB with a final score of 98-89 after overtime in Birmingham, Alabama. This victory marks just the sixth occurrence in NCAA history of a team overcoming a 25-point halftime deficit and ties for the third-largest comeback ever recorded. Additionally, the Red Wolves have become the eighth team to recover from a 27-point deficit, having trailed 59-32 at one point in the second half.
Reflecting on the game, Hodgson expressed admiration for the belief embedded in his squad, stating, “When I looked around that locker room, there was belief that we could win. They didn’t waver at all.” This trust is a testament to the foundational lessons Hodgson absorbed during his previous roles at Buffalo and Alabama. Under the guidance of Nate Oats, Hodgson witnessed firsthand how instilling confidence in players can foster resilience, a principle he carried into his new role with Arkansas State starting in 2023.
During the previous season, the Red Wolves demonstrated flashes of promise, highlighted by a competitive nine-point loss to highly-ranked Alabama and a significant win against No. 21 Memphis. However, all that momentum faded during the ailing first half against UAB. Despite thorough preparation for the Blazers’ 1-3-1 zone defense, Arkansas State stumbled out of the gate, struggling to make fundamental plays and giving up numerous turnovers that allowed UAB to convert opportunities into points rapidly. In just over seven minutes, a three-point deficit became a daunting 24-point lead.
“We were like a deer in the headlights,” Hodgson described the situation. “It was mind-blowing. We just tossed the ball all over the court.” Facing a 27-point deficit early in the second half, and with two starters nursing injuries while they played, it appeared as if another lopsided defeat was imminent. Yet the Red Wolves defied the odds, dramatically turning the tide.
Reinvigorated, Arkansas State began executing their game plan effectively, adeptly dismantling UAB’s zone defense. Where they struggled early, they now capitalized on their big men setting timely screens that unleashed lanes for their guards to attack. This time around, they made fewer mistakes; the Red Wolves halved their turnovers from 11 in the first half to just three in the second, shooting 22 out of 37 from the floor and connecting on 6 of 11 three-pointers.
As the game drew to a close, UAB managed to tie everything with a dunk from Yaxel Lendeborg, propelling the contest into overtime. That’s when Arkansas State’s Taryn Todd stepped up, scoring five of his career-high 31 points in overtime, ultimately guiding his team to an unforgettable victory. “My guys just showed a lot of grit in the second half,” Hodgson remarked, reflecting on their remarkable turnaround.
What began as a disastrous first half ended in a display of historical determination and skill, encapsulating the unpredictable nature of sports and the unwavering spirit of the Red Wolves.