Arkansas coach John Calipari found himself in an unusual situation this week: His team was 0-4 in Southeastern Conference play and tied for last in the standings.
Calipari is trying to stay positive as the Razorbacks, 11-6 overall, prepare to play freshman Missouri (14-3, 3-1) on Saturday in Columbia, Mo.
“I thought we played (with) more excitement than we did,” Calipari said after Arkansas fell 78-74 at LSU on Tuesday. “I know I trained that way, but … I have to do a better job. And I told them after the game, I’m not playing, so let’s move on. Let’s prepare for the next one.”
The Razorbacks went 11-2 in non-conference play and defeated Michigan, which was ranked No. 14 at the time. Then came their SEC schedule with losses at Tennessee and at home to Ole Miss and Florida before losing to LSU. The Vols, Rebels and Gators were all listed during their games against Arkansas.
“They’re trying. I’ve got to do a better job,” Calipari said of his team. “I feel bad for them. I’m going to have to push them to the finish line in some of these games. I just have to do it.”
Boogie Fland, who had 19 points and five assists against LSU, is averaging 15.7 points and 5.7 assists per game. Big man Adou Thiero leads Arkansas with 16.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Missouri, meanwhile, raised its NCAA Tournament profile by beating No. 83-82 on the road. 5 Florida on Tuesday.
The Tigers got a big boost from sixth-year guard Caleb Grill, who missed five games earlier this season with a neck injury. He scored 45 points in his last three games while shooting 11-for-22 from three-point range.
Grill scored 22 points off the bench for Florida. He hit his first four 3-point shots to get the Tigers rolling in the first half, then sealed the win with two free throws with five seconds left.
“That was one of the tightest rides I’ve ever been a part of,” Grill said. “And everyone knows I’ve been in college forever.”
The Tigers field a deep team with balanced scoring. Forward Mark Mitchell (13.6 points per game) and guards Tamar Bates (12.8), Grill (12.2) and Anthony Robinson II (10.7) lead the way.
–Field Level Media