Late three-pointer lifts Razorbacks over Vanderbilt

Late three-pointer lifts Razorbacks over Vanderbilt

Hogs survive close encounter M'/th the Commodores

From the Arkansas Razorbacks

www.arkansasrazorbacks.com

FAYETTEVILLE — Keyshawn Embery-Simpson drilled a 3-pointer with 1:14 remaining to give Arkansas 67-66 lead and, after Jalen Harris forced a turnover on the ensuing Vanderbilt possession, Mason Jones sank two free throws with seven seconds left for a 69-66 victory over the Commodores Tuesday night at Bud Walton Arena.

Vanderbilt had one final chance to tie the game, but Matt Ryan missed a 3pointer and Jalen Harris pulled down the rebound to secure the Razorbacks’ fourth consecutive SEC victory.

Not only did Daniel Gafford provide the assist on Embery-Simpson’s 3pointer, the sophomore scored a game-high 28 points, making a careerhigh 10-of-12 free throws. Isaiah Joe made six 3pointers and scored 18 points while handing out a game and career-high five assists.

Arkansas trailed most of the first half before making a charge at the end of the period, thanks to three 3-pointers by Joe, to trail by one, 35-34 at halftime.

Gafford kept the momentum going after intermission, scoring the first six points (two field goals and two free throws) to start the second half and give the Razorbacks a fivepoint lead. Arkansas would eventually lead by as many as 10 (56-46) midway through the second half.

Vanderbilt went on a 14-2 run over the next five minutes, capped by a Saben Lee triple, to put the Commodores up two.

Gafford answered with a dunk to tie the game.

Vandy regained a onepoint lead before Gafford slammed home another to put the Hogs up one (6261) with three minutes to play.

The Commodores would go up two (66-64) with 40 seconds left, forcing an Arkansas timeout.

Embery-Simpson checked into the game during the stoppage and, 20 seconds later, hit the biggest shot of his young career to put his squad up one with 14 seconds left.

Game Notes: This was the 37th meeting between Arkansas and Vanderbilt. The Razorbacks own a 25-12 advantage in the all-time series, including a 15-3 record in Fayetteville.

Arkansas has won six of the last seven in the series.

This was the fifth straight time Vanderbilt has come to Fayetteville for a regular- season game. Arkansas will play at Vandy on Mar.

6, marking the Razorbacks’ first trip to Memorial Gymnasium since Feb. 8, 2014.

Arkansas has won at least four straight SEC games in each of the last six years.

The Razorbacks’ best SEC win streak during the last six years is seven in 201415 (Feb. 3-24).

Arkansas took a seasonhigh six charges, including two by Isaiah Joe.

Arkansas has taken 50 charges in 22 games this season, eclipsing last year s 35-game total of 47.

Mason Jones has scored late in the last two games to lift Arkansas to wins. At LSU, he made a jumper in the lane with 22 seconds left for a 90-89 lead, which was the final score as well. Tonight, with Arkansas up one, he made two free throws with eight seconds left for a 3-point cushion, providing the eventual 69-66 final. Jones also made (and missed on purpose) a free throw with two seconds left versus Indiana in game three of the season to give Arkansas a 73-72 win.

Arkansas has made a 3pointer in 999 consecutive games. Through games on Tuesday, The Razorbacks are tied with Western Kentucky for fourth on the NCAA list of most consecutive 3-pointers made.

Arkansas returns to the road for two games. First, the Razorbacks travel to Columbia, S.C., to face the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday. Arkansas will then play at Columbia, Mo., versus the Missouri Tigers on Tuesday, Feb.

12.