By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas guard Rotnei Clarke didn’t know how forward Michael Washington’s injured ankle was feeling before Thursday’s practice, but the sophomore was hoping for good news.
There’s good reason. Once again, Clarke and the Razorbacks experienced what life was like without the senior during a frustrating loss at LSU. Washington’s absence wasn’t the only reason for the Hogs’ tumble on Wednesday, but it didn’t help.
So with an even greater challenge awaiting Arkansas, Clarke wants to see the Razorbacks’ most experienced big back man in uniform.
“That’s what I’m hoping,” Clarke said. “I’m praying for that.”
Washington’s availability will likely be a gametime decision as the Razorbacks (14-14, 7-6 in Southeastern Conference) play 16th-ranked Vanderbilt (21-6, 10-3) in Bud Walton Arena this afternoon.
The senior didn’t make the trip to LSU after suffering a sprained ankle in practice Tuesday, which forced him to miss his third game due to an injury this season. Arkansas is 0-3 without him.
Washington, who is the Razorbacks’ fourth-leading scorer (12.4 points) and second-leading rebounder (5.7), hasn’t put up gaudy statistics this season but Arkansas coach John Pelphrey said his value to the Razorbacks is measured in many other ways.
“It’s a loss,” Pelphrey said. “He does a good job for us. Worst-case scenario, he gives us someone around the basket who takes charges, blocks shots. You’re capable of running offense through him when he gets touches in the low post. There has to be a gameplan for how you’re going to play him. So regardless a lot of times of how many points he gets, he still could be a factor.
“So it’s an adjustment that has to be made if he can’t play.”
Arkansas didn’t handle it well during the LSU trip, when the Tigers’ zone defense practically eliminated the Razorbacks’ production in the paint in the first half. It also didn’t help that forward Marshawn Powell — who had averaged 24.5 points in his previous two games — picked up two quick fouls. Powell finished with five points and committed seven turnovers in 23 minutes.
Washington’s injury and Powell’s struggles forced the Razorbacks to lean on its bench much more than usual. Backups Delvon Johnson and Glenn Bryant combined to score 14 points and grab 11 rebounds.
“It’s probably unfair to expect them to go put Michael Washington-type stats up,” Pelphrey said. “So I thought those guys did OK in their roles.”
But Pelphrey said Arkansas will need more from the frontcourt if Washington can’t play once again this afternoon.
He described the Commodores as a “surgical” team that can “carve you up on both sides,” which would put pressure on Powell, Johnson and Bryant to perform. Vanderbilt’s frontcourt is led by 6-foot-11 junior A.J. Ogilvy, who is averaging 13.7 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Jeffrey Taylor also averages 14.2 points and 5.3 rebounds.
Vanderbilt, which is 4-2 in road SEC games this season, beat Georgia in overtime on Thursday night. The Commodores haven’t won in Bud Walton Arena since 1996, but Pelphrey said it will take a strong effort up and down his roster to keep the streak intact.
“We’re going to have to do some more everywhere else,” Pelphrey said. “We’re going to have to get some more performances from some of the guys and we didn’t do that last time out.”
Clarke admitted Thursday the Razorbacks did experience an emotional letdown when Washington didn’t step on the plane for the trip to Baton Rouge, La. But the Razorbacks can’t afford another off night if he can’t play again against the Commodores.
The Razorbacks are one game behind Mississippi State (7-6) for first in the SEC West. They also have a one-game lead over Ole Miss (6-7) in the battle for second. The top two teams in the West will earn a first-round bye in the SEC Tournament next month.
He’s hoping Washington will be back today. But if not, the Razorbacks will be counting on the rest of their post players.
“They’re going to need to step up,” Clarke said. “They’ve got aa big inside presence on their team. It will be tough, but I have faith in those guys and I believe they can step up for us.”
TODAY’S TICKET
No. 16 Vanderbilt (21-6, 10-3) at Arkansas (14-13, 7-5)
When: 12:47 p.m.
Where: Bud Walton Arena
TV: SEC Network
Radio: Razorback Sports Network
Coaches: Arkansas — John Pelphrey (51-42 in third season); Vanderbilt — Kevin Stallings (210-134 in 11th season)
Arkansas — F Delvon Johnson (6-9, Jr., 2.8 ppg), PF Marshawn Powell (6-7, Fr., 15.1), G Marcus Britt (6-3, Jr., 4.0), SG Rotnei Clarke (6-0, So., 15.9), PG Courtney Fortson (5-11, So., 19.3)
Vanderbilt — C A.J. Ogilvy (6-11, Jr., 13.8 ppg), F Andre Walker (6-7, So., 6.3), F Jeffrey Taylor (6-7, So., 14.1), G Jermaine Beal (6-3, Sr., 14.9), G Brad Tinsley (6-3, So., 7.3)
