Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Arkansas 91, SELA 87 (OT)

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The Hoop Hogs' season opener was last Thursday (yeah I've had a couple of days off since then) against Southeastern Louisiana. The team is really young this year, but they have a ton of heart. SELA pulled ahead of the Razorbacks by nine points with five minutes in regulation and it looked like the Hogs would suffer their first season-opening defeat in 35 years. Of course that didn't happen thanks to some last-minute heroics by junior Michael Washington and true freshman Rotnei Clarke. Above true freshman maniac Courtney Fortson charges fearlessly to the basket for two of his 18 points in the game.

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Michael Washington had a career night in points, 30, and rebounds, 14, and was on the floor for 41 of the Razorbacks 45 minute contest with SELA. Washington certainly quelled the skepticism of this doubter.

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Pelphrey gives his players some much-needed chewing during the game.

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Rotnei Clarke, who is already earning the nickname "Iceman," hits one of his five three pointers against SELA. One of which was a clutch shot to bring the Razorbacks witin one point of tying the game with 29 ticks on the clock.

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Michael Sanchez and Courtney Forston apply some backcourt pressure.

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Any win for this young team is a good thing right now this early in the season. Coming back from behind is good for their confidence, but they need to get it out of their system soon. If they fall behind early to teams like Oklahoma and Texas, who they play on Dec. 30 and Jan. 6, respectively, they could see some big double digit losses.

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