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  • No. 24 Arkansas Obliterates No. 6 Alabama in an 81-66 SEC Blowout

No. 24 Arkansas Obliterates No. 6 Alabama in an 81-66 SEC Blowout

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Basketball

Jaylin Williams sparked a 17-2 run early in the second half to lead #24 Arkansas to an 81-66 victory over #6 Alabama Wednesday night at Bud Walton Arena.

The Razorbacks have won eight straight SEC games and improve to 18-5 overall and 10-4 in the SEC to take sole possession of second place in the league. It is the best conference win streak by the Hogs since winning 11 straight to close the 1993-94 season. The Crimson Tide falls to 18-6, 13-2 overall.

Arkansas took a one-point lead, 39-38, into the locker room at halftime. The Crimson Tide, who finished the first half hot, scored the first seven points of the second half. However, Williams scored six straight to end the drought to put Arkansas up one. John Petty Jr., answered with a jumper to put the Tide back in the lead. Williams then made 2-of-3 free throws to put the Hogs back in front, 48-47, and Arkansas held the advantage the rest of the game.

After the initial 7-0 run by Alabama to start the second half, Arkansas went on a 17-2 run, including a 10-0 spurt, to regain the advantage.

Williams, who was an impressive +30 in his 22 minutes played, scored 12 of his 13 points in the second half and he pulled down all eight of his rebounds in the period. Justin Smith also played a big part in the keeping stemming the Tide in the second half. The graduate senior scored 11 of his 12 points in the second half and had seven of his 12 rebounds in the frame. Smith finished with his third double-double of the year and seventh of his career.

Moses Moody finished with a game-high 24 points, making 16-of-19 at the free throw line, with a career-high four assists and a career-high three blocked shots. The 16 makes at the free throw line ties Tommy Boyer for sixth-most made by a Razorback in a game – and is third-most by a Hog in an SEC game. The 19 attempts tie for seventh-most by a Razorback in a game – 3rd most by a Hog in an SEC game.

Jalen Tate had 12 points, four assists and a career-high four blocked shots. JD Notae scored 12 with three assists and two steals.

Jordan Bruner led Alabama with 14 points, making 4-of-9 from 3-point range, while Jahvon Quinerly contributed 13 and Petty 12.

Arkansas stays at home to host LSU on Saturday (Feb. 27). Tipoff is set for 1:00 pm (CT) and the game will be televised on ESPN2.