STARKVILLE, Miss. — Arkansas relied on balance, patience, and defensive discipline to pull away from Mississippi State for an 88-68 win in an SEC game Saturday.
The Razorbacks gradually took control after a competitive opening stretch, using steady half-court execution and consistent rebounding to limit Mississippi State’s ability to generate extended runs.
Arkansas avoided long scoring droughts and maintained control without needing a dramatic shift in tempo.
Mississippi State matched Arkansas early with physical play and deliberate possessions. The Bulldogs stayed within striking distance by contesting shots and forcing the Razorbacks to work deep into the shot clock.
Arkansas responded by spacing the floor and attacking selectively, which kept the game manageable during the opening half.
Neither team built a significant advantage before the break, but Arkansas showed signs of separation late in the half by converting inside looks and preventing Mississippi State from capitalizing on missed shots.
The Razorbacks entered halftime positioned to extend the margin without changing their approach.
Arkansas extends margin in second half
Arkansas opened the second half with renewed defensive focus, setting the tone by limiting Mississippi State to single-shot possessions.
The Razorbacks boxed out effectively and reduced the Bulldogs’ opportunities for second-chance points, a factor that steadily shifted momentum.
Offensively, Arkansas continued to rely on balance rather than individual scoring bursts.
Production came from multiple players, allowing the Razorbacks to maintain efficiency as Mississippi State adjusted defensively. When perimeter shots were unavailable, Arkansas attacked the paint and drew contact.
The Hogs gradually built separation through controlled execution. Stops on defense led to composed offensive possessions, and trips to the free-throw line extended the lead without forcing tempo.
Mississippi State struggled to answer as Arkansas maintained its structure.
Midway through the half, Arkansas’s control became more evident as the Razorbacks dictated pace and limited Mississippi State’s transition opportunities.
he Bulldogs were forced into tougher shots as Arkansas tightened coverage in the half court.
Mississippi State attempted to counter with increased pressure, but Arkansas continued to value possessions and avoid mistakes. The Razorbacks’ discipline prevented momentum swings and kept the margin intact.
Efficiency and rebounding define outcome
The final statistics reflected Arkansas’s steady control.
The Razorbacks shot efficiently, won the rebounding battle, and converted opportunities created by defensive stops.
Mississippi State, meanwhile, found it difficult to sustain offensive rhythm, particularly as Arkansas limited open looks and contested shots without fouling.
Turnovers were not a decisive factor for either team, but Arkansas capitalized more consistently on its chances.
The Razorbacks’ ability to finish possessions on the glass proved critical in preventing Mississippi State from narrowing the gap.
Defensively, Arkansas mixed coverage just enough to disrupt ball movement and keep Mississippi State from settling into a consistent flow.
The Bulldogs were unable to generate the extended scoring runs needed to challenge late.
Arkansas closed the game by managing the clock and continuing to defend responsibly. The Razorbacks did not push for style points, instead focusing on clean possessions and finishing defensive stops.
The win marked another measured step for Arkansas in SEC play, underscored by balance, execution, and second-half control on the road.
