No. 4 Alabama uses late runs to put away No. 15 Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — No. 4 Alabama went ona 16-4 run midway through the second half and an 11-0 run late tobeat No. 15 Arkansas, 84-69, on Wednesday and stay unbeaten in theSoutheastern Conference.

The Crimson Tide (14-2, 4-0 SEC) made 5 of 6 goals during thestretch in the middle of the second half while Arkansas was just 1of 7 during Alabama’s run as a tie game turned into a 12-pointAlabama lead.

Arkansas (12-4, 1-3) pulled within two points with 4:30 leftafter making five straight shots from the floor to close the gap.Alabama followed with 3-pointers on each of its next threepossessions, including two by Brandon Miller, to sap the home crowdand rebuild the lead to double digits.

“We’ve been good in tough games,” Alabama coach Nate Oats said.“I thought the loss to UConn really showed our guys if you’re nottough, you’re not going to be able to win these big games.”

Alabama struggled during the period when its best player did,too. Miller, who entered as the top scorer in the SEC averaging18.1 points per game, was without a shot attempt through the firsthalf and the Crimson Tide were tied at the break.

Mark Sears did most of the Crimson Tide’s offensive damage earlyand plenty late as he scored a game-high 26 points. Noah Clowneyadded 15 and Miller finished with 14 points.

“Offensively, we needed someone to score the ball,” Oats said.“Sears can make shots. We needed him to shoot it. He got downhilland scored the ball, both.”

Arkansas had four players in double figures as Devonte Davis andJalen Graham led with 16 apiece, but shooting was the curse as theRazorbacks were just 2 of 10 from 3-point range against Alabama’s9-of-20 game from deep.

FRESHMEN MATTER

Miller and Clowney, both freshmen, made all three of Alabama’s3-pointers in the final run that built the Crimson Tide’s lead backto double digits.

Arkansas was again without its top freshman as guard Nick SmithJr. remained out with a knee injury. The Razorbacks are just 2-3since he left during Arkansas’ win over Bradley on Dec. 17.

BIG PICTURE

Alabama: Alabama looked the part of a No. 1-seed when the NCAATournament rolls around, showing a clear edge for the bulk of thegame and using runs when things were close.

Arkansas: The Razorbacks started SEC play 0-3 last year beforereeling off eight straight in league play en route to the EliteEight. But Arkansas’ injuries and shifting substitution patternshave given 2023 a different feel.

UP NEXT

Alabama: Hosts LSU on Saturday

Arkansas: At Vanderbilt on Saturday