Another slow start, poor shooting doom Hogs Against Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Arkansas got off to a slow start but used a 12-3 run to cut its deficit to 10 after a Joseph Pinion fastbreak with 6:56 left in the first half. However, Florida opened the second half with an 11-4 run to push its lead to 20 in a 90-68 Gators victory Saturday afternoon at Exactech Arena.

Florida, which leads the NCAA in rebounding, held a 48-31 advantage on the boards including 15 offensive boards to out-score Arkansas 17-8 on second-chance points.

Jeremiah Davenport scored all 13 of his points in the first half and he added three assists. Joseph Pinion and Layden Blocker each provided a spark at times.

Pinion scored 12 points, making two 3-pointers and going 4-of-4 at the free throw line. Blocker scored his career-high with 14 points, going 6-of-16 at the line with four rebounds.

Florida had five players score double figures with Riley Kugel leading the way with 20 points.

Arkansas returns to Bud Walton Arena for a pair of home games next week. The homestand starts Tuesday versus Texas A&M. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. and the game will be on SEC Network. Then, on Saturday, Arkansas will host South Carolina.

Hogs’ Game Notes

• Arkansas starters were Tramon Mark, Davonte Davis, Jeremiah Davenport, Trevon Brazile and Makhi Mitchell.

• Arkansas controlled the tip to start the game.

• Florida scored the first points of the game with two free throws at 19:09. Jeremiah Davenport hit a 3-pointer with 18:50 for Arkansas’ first points.

• Jalen Graham was the first Razorback sub.

• The 12 points for Pinion were off his career-high of 13 and he tied career high in free throws made and attempted (4-of-4).

• Arkansas had eight blocked shots, including three from Makhi Mitchell.

• Trevon Brazile finished with a team-high seven rebounds and added seven points and two steals.

• Tramon Mark had 12 points and two steals.

• For the first time in the Musselman era, Arkansas played a zone.