LAST NIGHT
With Admiral Ackbar haunting the league for the last week, it was fitting that J. Hawg 3 from Arkansas Expats sent out a warning that the Razorbacks' game versus LSU was a trap game. It's too bad that John Pelphey couldn't hear it as the Bayou Bengals finally won a game.
Yes, LSU put one in the left column by taking down Arkansas 65-54. It's hard to imagine a less inspired effort from the Hogs, who played some of their worst basketball of the season. It was 33-18 LSU at the half, and only a garbage time rally saved any element of face for Arkansas. LSU meanwhile played its most balanced basketball of the season, and even the walk ons got to go in and contribute. Then again, it says something when the best and most balanced game of the season results in just 65 points, but you take what you can get when you're 0-12 in league play.
Fortunately for Mississippi State fans, Jarvis Varnado was able to break the all-time NCAA blocks record in Starkville during MSU's 74-66 win over Alabama. He nearly got a triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and eight blocks. As a bonus, Barry Stewart set a school record for three point shooting in the same game. State is still alive for an at-large berth, but the Bulldogs probably need to win out to be safe. Any losses likely mean a deep run in the conference tournament will be necessary.
To round things out, Ole Miss got a much needed victory in defeating Auburn 85-75. It still feels a bit empty for Rebels fans though as they aren't really in contention for an at-large tournament berth. All they can hope for is building momentum for an SEC tournament run.