By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach John Pelphrey said the Razorbacks will carry two gameplans into Bud Walton Arena this afternoon.
The first will include leading-scorer Rotnei Clarke, whose long-range shooting skills were sorely missed in the Alabama State win on Wednesday night. The second will look a lot like the one that carried the Hogs to a 76-51 win without him.
“It will more of a focused emphasis of really, really jamming the ball inside and making sure we get the correct perimeter shots,” Pelphrey said.
Arkansas, obviously, is hoping for Option A as it puts its three-game win streak on the line against Stephen F. Austin at 3 p.m. But the Razorbacks insist they’re also prepared to lean on inside threats Michael Washington and Marshawn Powell to lead the way once again if Clarke can’t suit up.
The tandem combined for 35 points and 14 rebounds against Alabama State, controlling a rugged game with their play in the post. Arkansas made a concerted effort to dump the ball down low. It resulted in the best outing Washington has had this season and another solid effort by Powell.
Pelphrey said both players will be counted on produce again against a tough defensive opponent.
“(Stephen F. Austin) Coach (Danny) Kaspar’s teams are hard-nosed and physical,” Pelphrey said. “They’re going to make you earn your baskets. They’re not going to give you a lot of angles. It’s going to be a physical, physical, basketball game.”
Arkansas got 54 points from its post players in the win against Alabama State and only made three 3-point shots. It was a stark contrast to earlier this season, when Clarke was knocking down 3-pointers while the Razorbacks’ post game struggled.
Guards Stefan Welsh said the Razorbacks are capable of knocking down 3-pointers without Clarke, but said looking inside will be the first option.
“We definitely have to go inside,” Welsh said. “Get Mike going early. Get Marshawn going. Move the ball around and play real solid defense, great defense in transition. Still do the things that we normally do. Take open three’s if they’re there.”
Arkansas will be playing with just eight scholarship players today. In addition to Clarke, forward Michael Sanchez is sidelined for an indefinite period of time because of a recurring foot problem. Point guard Courtney Fortson remains suspended and will miss his 11th straight game.
But the short-handed bunch will be asked to perform in its biggest challenge since early December, when the Hogs dropped four straight.
Stephen F. Austin has won five in a row and is the first opponent during a difficult stretch.
Alabama State was Arkansas’ last nonconference foe with a sub-.500 record. The next five opponents — the Lumberjacks, Missouri State, Baylor, Alabama-Birmingham and Texas — are a combined 41-3.
It’s not ideal to be moving into the stretch with Clarke’s knee aching. But Pelphrey said the Hogs will do their best with or without him today.
“We’re just going to try to figure out how to win basketball games with the guys we do have in uniforms,” Pelphrey said. “I’m not one to back down from a challenge. Whenever something like this happens for me, I just get a little motivated, get a little more focused, and try to overcome it.”
Today’s Ticket
Stephen F. Austin (6-2) at Arkansas (5-5)
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Bud Walton Arena
TV: Razorback Sports Network
Radio: Razorback Sports Network
Coaches: Arkansas — John Pelphrey (42-33 in third season); Stephen F. Austin — Danny Kaspar (163-106 (10th season)
Projected Lineups:
Arkansas — C Michael Washington (6-9, Sr., 13.5 ppg), PF Marshawn Powell (6-7, Fr., 14.7), SF Jemal Farmer (6-5, Jr., 11.5), SG Marcus Britt (6-3, Jr., 6.0), PG Julysses Nobles (6-1, Fr., 7.4)
Stephen F. Austin — F Jordan Glynn (6-7, Jr., 8.4 ppg), F Jereal Scott (6-7, So., 10.8), G Walt Harris (6-5, Sr., 11.0), G Eddie Williams (6-2, Jr., 15.3), G Eric Bell (5-3, Sr., 2.8)
