By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach John Pelphrey remembers how well the Razorbacks played against Texas last season.
Even more, Pelphrey remembers what he said afterward.
It was a great performance. It capped an impressive nonconference season. But he cautioned that the Razorbacks had bigger challenges ahead as they prepared for the next step in their season — Southeastern Conference play.
“Unfortunately, that was accurate,” Pelphrey said. “We weren’t able to play as well for whatever reason and not being able to get some wins. We were 12-1 at that point in time and things had obviously gone pretty well for us.
“So we’ve had to deal with the other side of it right now for the last year and things haven’t gone so well.”
Anyone associated with Arkansas basketball knows exactly what has happened since. A program that appeared to be on the verge of regaining a spot on the national scene after stunning the Longhorns last January, will instead be fighting to finish nonconference play above .500 tonight.
The Hogs are 9-22 since beating Texas. That includes last season’s 2-15 finish and this year’s 7-7 start.
But guard Stefan Welsh believes another upset against the Longhorns in Bud Walton Arena tonight could be exactly what Arkansas needs to get on track before SEC play.
“It could be the start of something special, give us a full head of steam going into conference play,” Welsh said. “It can definitely be a confidence boost for us.”
Unfortunately for Arkansas, knocking off Texas this season could be an even greater challenge. The Longhorns (13-0) have rolled through nonconference play. It includes big wins against North Carolina and Michigan State.
Texas is powered by seniors Damion James (16.5 points and 10.9 rebounds a game) and center Dexter Pittman (14.1 points and 6.9 rebounds). But it also has relied on an influx of talented newcomers like guard Avery Bradley, forward Jordan Hamilton and Florida transfer Jai Lucas.
All told, Texas’ roster stretches 10 deep and will pose problems with its all-around abilities.
“They’ve got so many good players, so much versatility, so much depth, it’s going to take a total team effort,” Welsh said. “A lot of concentration and heart.”
Said Pelphrey: “For us to have a chance to compete, we’re going to have to play our best game of the year.”
Arkansas will have to do so with a short-handed roster.
Center Michael Washington, who scored a game-high 22 points against Texas last season, continues to nurse a sore back. Forward Michael Sanchez remains sidelined by a foot injury. And point guard Courtney Fortson is on track to miss his 15th straight game because of a suspension.
Pelphrey wouldn’t rule out Fortson’s return against Texas, but couldn’t express confidence that the sophomore would be back on the court this season, either.
“I don’t know how to answer that,” Pelphrey said Monday. “I would say he has an opportunity to be back. I think we all would like for him to get back. Probably a little surprised that we’re here, so I can’t really say anything with 100 percent confidence. I wished I could.”
Instead, Pelphrey said the Razorbacks are concentrating on ways to upset Texas once again this season.
Welsh remembers last season’s game as being the most intense he has ever been part of at Arkansas and hopes the feat can be repeated tonight. Pelphrey, who donned a red sportcoat for the Texas game last season, said beating the Longhorns would be big for several reasons.
“It would give us our eighth win of the year,” he said. “That’s what we’re looking for obviously. All these games are important. This was a little bit bigger game because of the rivalry between the two schools and the history and tradition of it. It’s important to a lot of people.”
But Pelphrey also knows this: He won’t pin his team’s season on whatever happens against Texas. He and the Razorbacks found out just what it meant last year.
“The season is not over win or lose this basketball game,” Pelphrey said. “Obviously we won last year and that didn’t go too well for us the rest of the way.”
Tonight’s Ticket
No. 2 Texas (13-0) at Arkansas (7-7)
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Bud Walton Arena
TV: ESPN2
Radio: Razorback Sports Network
Coaches: Arkansas — John Pelphrey (44-35 in third season); Texas — Rick Barnes (283-105 in 12th season)
Arkansas — C Michael Washington (6-9, Sr., 13.2 ppg), PF Marshawn Powell (6-7, Fr., 14.9), SF Jemal Farmer (6-5, Jr., 10.0), SG Rotnei Clarke (6-0, So., 19.0), PG Julysses Nobles (6-1, Fr., 5.4)
Texas — C Dexter Pittman (6-10, Sr., 14.1 ppg), F Damion James (6-7, Sr., 16.5), G Justin Mason (6-2, Sr., 2.8), G Avery Bradley (6-2, Fr., 10.6), Dogus Balbay (6-1, Jr., 4.4)
