NEW YORK — Arkansas rallied from a 15-point deficit in the first half to take an 18-point lead in the second half before holding on for an 89-87 win over No. 14 Michigan inside Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night as part of the Jimmy V Classic.
The Razorbacks battled back in the first half to trail 49-45 at the half fueled by 13 points from freshman Boogie Fland and 11 points from Adou Theiro. A red-hot DJ Wagner scored 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting in the second half to help the Hogs take a 15-point lead in the second half.
A key block from Trevon Brazile followed by a free throw to push the Arkansas lead to two points set up the Razorbacks with a lead in the final seconds. Johnell Davis broke up a baseline pass before Roddy Gayle Jr.’s 15-footer bounced off the front rim as time expired.
Fland led all scorers and five Razorbacks in double figures with 20 in his return to his hometown. The freshman added seven assists with only two turnovers. Wagner added 16 with Brazile chipping in 15 points and six rebounds.
Vladislav Goldin led the Wolverines with 17 points and nine rebounds.
The Razorbacks return to action on Saturday afternoon in North Little Rock at Simmons Bank Arena against UCA at 3 p.m.
Information from Arkansas Communications is included in this story.
