Turnovers doom Hogs in blowout loss to Tennessee, 75-57

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee forced 16 Arkansas turnovers and outscored the Razorbacks 42-18 in the paint to give the No. 12/14 Vols a 75-57 victory Tuesday night at Thompson-Boling Arena.

The Volunteers also had 13 assists, including five each from Jahmai Mashack and Santiago Vescovi, on 27 made baskets. While the Vols only made 4-of-16 from 3-point range, they were 3-of-8 from deep in the second half and shot 58.3% in the period, compared to Arkansas’ 36%.

Despite its struggles, Arkansas was only down seven (43-36) after a pair of Nick Smith Jr., free throws with 15:14 left. From that point, Tennessee went on a 13-3 run to take a 17-point lead. Davonte Davis would hit a 3-pointer and get a steal and a layup to get the Hogs back to with 12 with 8:12 left. However, Tennessee answered with a 10-0 run to put the game out of reach with 5:05 to play.

Olivier Nkamhoua led Tennessee with 16 points and seven rebounds. Vescovi added 14 points and six boards while Josiah-Jordan James scored 11. Tobe Awaka led all players with eight rebounds.

Anthony Black and Davies each scored 13 to lead Arkansas with Smith adding 12 points. Davis also had a team-high six rebounds and a team-high three steals.

Arkansas closes the 2022-23 regular season by hosting #23 Kentucky on Saturday (Mar. 4) at Bud Walton Arena. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. and will be televised on CBS.

FIRST HALF: Arkansas 25, Tennessee: 34

• Arkansas was whistled for 11 first-half fouls, compared to six by Tennessee. The Vols were 7-of-12 at the line. Arkansas was 3-of-4.

• Arkansas held Tennessee to just 1-of-8 from 3-point range, while making 4-of-10.

• The Vols outrebounded the Hogs by 10 (23-13), including seven by UT’s Tobe Awaka.

• Both teams were turnover prone, Arkansas with 10 and Tennessee with seven. However, the Vols had nine steals compared to four by Arkansas.

• Tennessee outscored Arkansas 24-8 in the paint, 5-0 in fastbreaks and 12-0 on second chance points.

• Anthony Black led Arkansas with nine points.

• Olivier Nkamhoua led Tennessee with 10 points.

Hogs Notes

• Arkansas’ starting lineup was Anthony Black, Nick Smith Jr., Davonte Davis, Jordan Walsh and Makhi Mitchell for the fourth time.

• Tennessee won the tip.

• Tennessee scored first on a Zakai Zeigler layup at 18:55. Nick Smith Jr., scored first for the Razorbacks with a 3-pointe at 16:00.

• Ricky Council IV was the first Razorback sub.