Hogs’ comeback not enough to avoid third straight SEC loss

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Arkansas was down 17 midway through the second half but clawed its way back to make it a one-point game with 1:38 left.

Texas A&M answered with a 3-pointer, though, and made free throws down the stretch to win, 86-81, Saturday afternoon at Reed Arena.

Arkansas was led by JD Notae, tied his career-high five 3-pointers and scored a season-high 31 points – also his best point production as a Razorback. Overall, it was his fourth 30-point game for his career and second at Arkansas.

Jaylin Williams added his first career double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. His effort helped Arkansas dominate the glass, 46-32.

The Aggies used a 16-0 run to take its 17-point lead and held a double-digit cushion until Davonte Davis made two free throws with 6:53 left. Texas A&M pushed its lead back to 11 with 3:65 to play.

However, Arkansas went on a 10-0 run to make it a one-point contest (79-78).

After the A&M triple, Davis sank to two free throws to make it a two-point game with 27 ticks left. The Aggies answered with two free throws.

With five seconds left, Davis was fouled. After making the first, Davis attempted to miss the second but was called for a lane violation. The Aggies closed the game by making two free throws to secure the win.

Arkansas returns to Bud Walton Arena to host Missouri on Wednesday (Jan. 12). Tipoff is set for 8 pm (CT) and the game will be televised on SEC Network.

FIRST HALF: Arkansas: 35 – Texas A&M: 37

• Arkansas led 13-5 at the first media timeout thanks to seven points by Stanley Umude and six from JD Notae.

• Notae (12) and Umude (8) combined for 20 of the Hogs’ first 22 points to lead 22-14 at the second media timeout.

• Arkansas’ largest lead was 11 (20-9).

• A&M made a 13-2 run to lead 32-29.

• Notae finished the half with 17 points.

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• Arkansas out-rebounded A&M 23-17.

GAME NOTES

• Arkansas’ starting lineup was JD Notae –Jaxson Robinson – Au’Diese Toney – Stanley Umude – Jaylin Williams for the first time this season.

• Arkansas won the opening tip.

• JD Notae scored the game’s first points, a layup at 19:54.

• Davonte Davis was the first Razorback sub.

• JD Notae’s 31 points were also an SEC career-best with his previous best being 21.

• This was the first time this season Arkansas lost a game with winning the rebound battle.

• Davonte Davis added 13 points, seven assists and seven rebounds. The seven assists were his SEC career-high and his seven boards were a season-best and one off his career-high.

• Stanley Umude scored 10 points before fouling out midway through the second half.

• Jaylin Williams has had double-digit rebounds in back-to-back games, four times this season and eight times in his career.

• Kamani Johnson had a season-high eight rebounds and was 5-of-6 at the free throw line.