Short-handed Razorbacks get blown out at Ole Miss

OXFORD, Miss. — A short-handed Arkansas squad fell 77-52 to Ole Miss Wednesday night at The Pavilion.

The Razorbacks were without leading scorer Tramon Mark (migraine) for the game and leading rebounder Trevon Brazile (knee soreness) missed the second half.

Arkansas got off to a slow start with eight turnovers in the first nine minutes but only committed two the rest of the first half and ended with 14 for the game. Ole Miss was 17-2 on points off turnovers and raced out to a 24-9 lead. However, Arkansas answered with a 14-5 run to cut its deficit to six (29-23) thanks to five points and an assist from Khalif Battle.

Ole Miss put the game away midway through the second half with an 8-0 run and held at least a 20-point cushion the rest of the way.

The Rebels were led by Jaylin Murray’s 21 points and Matthew Murrell added 18. Allen Flanigan finished with a double-double (10 points and 11 rebounds).

Battle led Arkansas with 11 points, going 6-of-7 at the line, and added four rebounds and two assists. Brazile also had four boards and Joseph Pinion had a career-high three blocked shots.

Arkansas returns to Bud Walton Arena to host Kentucky on Saturday (Jan. 27). Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN. Prior to the game, ESPN Gameday will make its first appearance at Bud Walton Arena. The show is from 10-11 a.m.

Hogs Game Notes 

• Arkansas starters were Keyon Menifield Jr., Khalif Battle, Davonte Davis, Denijay Harris and Chandler Lawson.

• Ole Miss controlled the tip to start the game.

• Ole Miss’ Jaemyn Brakefield scored the first points of the game with a 3-pointer at 19:39. Arkansas’ first points came from Keyon Menifield Jr., at 18:26.

• Makhi Mitchell was the first Razorback sub.

• Denijay Harris and Khalif Battle got their first start as a Razorback. Battle had led the team by being the first sub on nine occasions.

• Arkansas finished with eight blocked shots.