2017 SEC Tournament: Arkansas wins the battle, beats Ole Miss to advance to semifinals

Both teams fought tooth and nail in Friday evening’s SEC Tournament quarterfinal, but the Arkansas Razorbacks came out on top to beat Ole Miss, 73-72. There were 13 ties, including 40-40 score at halftime, and 12 lead changes. This could have anybody’s game.

With 1:28 left, Manuale Watkins made a crucial layup to give the Razorbacks a one point lead. Daryl Mason made two important free throws with 28 seconds left to the stretch Arkansas’ lead, 73-70. Justas Furmanavicius scored an at-the-buzzer layup, but, of course, it just wasn't enough.

Arkansas goes into the semifinal having won seven of their last eight games. They face Vanderbilt, who beat No. 17 Florida to advance.

Daryl Macon led the Razorbacks with 17 points. Jaylen Barford and Dusty Hannahs both scored 13 points to get the win.

The game came down to who had a better shooting game, and Arkansas was that team. Ole Miss struggled, making only 28.6 percent of their three-point shots. Despite being the best free throw shooting team in the SEC, only 57 percent of them were made where as Arkansas made 87 percent of theirs.

Terence Davis led Ole Miss with 26 points. Deandre Burnett had 16 points, Breein Tyree added 13 points in Ole Miss’ devastating loss.

Will Arkansas have enough to beat Vandy in the semifinals? This will certainly be a game to watch.