Razorbacks hold on for win over stubborn Lipscomb

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Makhi Mitchell made two key baskets inside the final four minutes and Davonte Davis’ lay-up with 26 seconds left allowed Arkansas to hold on for a 69-66 victory of Lipscomb on Saturday evening at Simmons Bank Arena.

Arkansas, up eight at halftime, used an 18-6 run to start the second half to grab a 20-point lead. However, Lipscomb used a 21-2 run – including a 17-0 spurt – to cut the deficit to one point at 63-62 with 4:29 left.

Mitchell ended the drought with a basket at 3:01 from a pass from Davis. Lipscomb answered to make it a onepoint game again only to have Mitchell get another lay-up off a Bisons’ turnover and assist from Jeremiah Davenport.

With 1:17 left, Lipscomb was credited with a fast-break lay-up on a goaltending call. The call was reviewed and, after several minutes, was upheld to make the score 67-66 in the Razorbacks’ favor.

Both teams missed their next shot attempts and Davis drove the lane to make his jumper with 26 ticks left to put the Hogs up three points at 69-66.

Lipscomb had three chances (two being 3-pointers) inside the final 15 seconds but could not convert.

Arkansas shot 52.6 percent from the field and had 17 assists. While Lipscomb had 10 more shot attempts, the Bisons only shot 38.8 percent from the field and just 23.3 percent (7-of-30) from 3-point range.

The Razorbacks took a 41-33 lead at the break thanks to a hot half from Mark. The junior scored 15 points, going 5-of-6 from the floor and making all three of his 3s. Makhi Mitchell (3-of-3) and Jalen Graham (3-of-4) also helped as the Razorbacks shot 58.6 percent from the field.

Tramon Mark led the Razorbacks with 17 points while Mitchel and Jalen Graham had 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Will Pruitt led Lipscomb with 15 points.

Arkansas will be back at Bud Walton Arena at 6 p.m. Thursday to entertain Abilene Christian.