First reactions from today’s non-conference matchup between the Dayton Flyers and Arkansas Razorbacks.
By Paul Gotham
The fastest “20” minutes in basketball
Mike Anderson‘s Razorbacks are known for playing up-tempo. That’s what they accomplished for the first half. The Hogs shot 15-of-26 (58 percent) in the first half including 4-of-7 (57 percent) behind the arc to take a 40-23 lead into the break. Big man Bobby Portis scored 14 of his game-high 18 in the first 20. Doesn’t take a math whiz to figure out the Flyers won the second half, 32-29.
Move over Clinton
Not to be confused with a pigskin player of the same surname, the Razorbacks’ big man lived up to his billing. The 6-11 sophomore hit 9-of-14 from the floor and grabbed nine rebounds. The Little Rock native is nimble around the lane getting the feed on a pair of pick and rolls and finishing at the cup. He has a deft touch with both hands.
Flipping the script
The Hogs came in averaging more than 85 points a game. Dayton 65. The Razorbacks’ defense has created more than 17 turnovers a contest coming into the game. Anderson’s club has converted those chances into more than 22 points a game. Dayton creates 13.3 turnovers a game. The pace of the game (definitely in the second half) was to the Flyers’ liking. Part of that was due to UD’s ability to handle the ball. After committing 10 turnovers in the first half, UD turned it over just five times after the break. The Razorbacks scored just 11 points off turnovers – their second lowest total of the season. On the other hand, UD scored 17 points off 16 Arkansas turnovers.
Inside the box score
Both clubs scored 24 points in the paint. Arkansas held a 7-5 advantage on second-chance points. UD took the fast break battle 10-2, BUT the Arkansas bench outscored their counterparts, 26-11. Arkansas received more charity with a 16-8 edge at the stripe.
Some long distance rates may apply
UD’s shooting woes continued from behind the arc. The Flyers came in hitting 37-of-137 (27 percent). Saturday, UD connected on 5-of-18 (27.8 percent). Worth noting that UD opponents haven’t fared much better from long range hitting 45-of-151 (29.8 percent). Arkansas went 5-of-13 (38.5 percent).
Sibert rising
Dayton’s Jordan Sibert had his highest point in the past four games scoring 18 on 7-of-16 shooting including 3-of-8 behind the arc.
Home cookin’
Arkansas improves to 6-0 at home. The Flyers fall to 1-1 in true road games.
Timing is everything
Dayton brought a five-game win streak into the game including a triumph over Eastern Michigan (which might now mean something). The Razorbacks had six days to dwell upon a two-game losing streak.
Looking ahead
Dayton (7-2) hosts Boston University on December 20th. Including the contest next Saturday, the Flyers have three games before opening Atlantic 10 play on January 3rd against Duquesne. Also next Saturday, (7-2) Arkansas hosts SE Missouri State also next Saturday. The Hogs open SEC play on January 6th versus Georgia.
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