LSU blows out Hogs in first loss of season at home

FAYETTEVILLE — Unable to overcome a slow start, Arkansas fell to LSU, 75-54, Wednesday night.

The first half was one the Razorbacks wish they could forget. Arkansas let LSU take a 41-21 lead into the break, after the Hogs made just six baskets in the opening 20 minutes, going 6-of-33 from the floor.

The Tigers shot 55.6 percent from the field on 15-of-27 shooting.

Arkansas opened the second half shooting much better than the initial period. The Razorbacks were able to chip into the LSU, getting it to 55-43 midway through the half, after making nine of their first 12 shots from the field.

Senior guard Jaylen Barford would score 10 of Arkansas’ first 15 points to give the Razorbacks a chance.

Any momentum Arkansas had, LSU took it away. After the Razorbacks cut the lead to 12, LSU would rattle off an 11-0 run to extend their lead 23 and never look back.

The one bright spot was Barford, who finished with a game-high 17 points, on 6-of-15 shooting. Senior guard Daryl Macon would add nine of his own to go along with four rebounds and four assists. Freshman forward Daniel Gafford and senior forward Trey Thompson each scored eight points, including five and six rebounds, respectively.

Arkansas remains at home to wrap up the week on Saturday for a 5 p.m. showdown with the Missouri Tigers (12-4, 2-1 SEC) on ESPN2.