Razorbacks can’t hold second-half lead against Texas A&M

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Arkansas led for over 31 minutes, compared to Texas A&M leading for five minutes.

But the Razorback offense went cold down the stretch and the No. 25 Aggies claimed a 62-56 victory at Reed Arena.

Texas A&M outscored the Razorbacks 38-23 in the second half, making 4-of-5 from 3-point range, while Arkansas was just 1-of-10 from deep in the final 20 minutes.

Arkansas led by 12 in the final seconds of the first half before A&M hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to go into the locker room down nine, 33-24. The Aggies, which were just 1-of-6 from 3-point range in the first half, made its next five 3-pointers, including the one at the end of the first half.

Texas A&M used a 17-4 run from the end of the first half to earl in the second half to lead 38-37.

Davonte Davis ended the run with a 3-pointer to put the Hogs back in front. Arkansas kept control from that point even though A&M tied the game at 42 and 44. Arkansas pushed the lead to five (49-44) with 9:27 left and led 53-51 with five minutes to play.

Henry Coleman III made two free throws with 4:29 left to tie the game at 53. Arkansas’ defense stayed strong, but its offense only scored three points in the final 5:54.

Wade Taylor IV led A&M with 18 points. He scored 16 in the second half, including a pair of 3-pointers and 11 of the Aggies first 14 points of the second half. Dexter Dennis had a double-double with 14 pints and 11 rebounds.

Anderson Garcia added 10 rebounds, including seven in the second half as the Aggies outrebounded the Razorbacks, 22-13 in the half and 36-33 for the game.

Davis paced Arkansas with 14 points and Makhi Mitchell just missed a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. Anthony Black also just missed a double-double with nine points and a career-high tying eight assists,

Up next, Arkansas will play back-to-back home games starting with Florida on Saturday.

Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.

FIRST HALF: Arkansas 33, Texas A&M 24

• Arkansas scored a season-high 42 points versus A&M in the first half of the first meeting and 33 tonight, which is the third-most points the Aggies have allowed in a half this season.

• Texas A&M scored first but Arkansas hit back-to-back 3’s and led the rest of the way (game was tied at 11).

• Arkansas took an 11-4 lead, holding A&M to 0-of-10 from the field.

• Arkansas made its last nine field goals in the first half and used a 12-2 run to lead 33-21. However, Hayden Hefner hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the 33-24 halftime score.

• Davonte Davis led Arkansas with 11 points, making 3-of-4 from 3-point range.

• Makhi Mitchell battled foul trouble but had six rebounds.

• Arkansas had 10 assists on 13 made baskets and shot an impressive 52% while holding the Aggies to 29.6% shooting.

• Arkansas won the battle of the boards, 20-14.

Hogs Notes

• Arkansas’ starting lineup was Anthony Black – Davonte Davis – Ricky Council – Makhel Mitchell – Makhi Mitchell for the fifth-straight time, sixth time overall.

• Texas A&M won the tip.

• Wade Taylor IV (Texas A&M) scored the first points, a jumper in the lane at 19:45. Davonte Davis scored the first points from Arkansas, a 3-pointer at 18:48.

• Jordan Walsh was the first Razorback sub.

Information from Arkansas Communications is included in this story.