By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas forward Marvell Waithe moved into the lineup against Michigan on Saturday, earning his first start since the Houston game on Nov. 18.

But Waithe didn’t stay there long.

The senior limped off the court two minutes into Arkansas’ 66-64 win against Michigan because of a strained calf and did not return. Arkansas coach Mike Anderson said afterward he’s not certain if Waithe will be available for the Razorbacks’ next game against Auburn on Wednesday night.

“He’ll get some treatment,” Anderson said. “It’s strained. He may be out for a game or two, I don’t know. We’ll find out.”

Waithe earned the starting spot Saturday after giving the Hogs a spark off the bench most of the season. He was averaging 6.6 points and 3.4 rebounds. Waithe also ranks second on the team in blocked shots (1.1).

His absence Saturday left the Razorbacks with just three frontcourt players (Devonta Abron, Michael Sanchez and Hunter Mickelson) against Michigan. It also left the Hogs with just eight healthy scholarship players. Walk-on guards Brandon Mitchell and Kikko Haydar were available if needed, but did not play Saturday.

Anderson and the Razorbacks received another injury scare in the second half when point guard BJ Young was fouled hard by Michigan guard Zack Novak. The freshman remained on the floor for several minutes, while Novak was assessed a flagrant foul.

“Yeah, because he’s a little fragile little dude,” Anderson said when asked if he held his breath when Young initially went down. “But he’s a tough cookie. All the time he’s sitting there he’s saying, ‘Coach I can shoot the free throws.’

“I’m going, ‘BJ you’re hurt my man.’”

Young did return a few minutes later and finished the game with a team-high 15 points. He walked into the interview room with his right hand wrapped in ice and said the side of his hand was sore.

“My pinky down the side of it,” Young said. “I kind of fell on it, but it should be all right for the next game.”

Anderson said the Razorbacks will be prepared to play without Waithe if necessary against Auburn, too.

“We’ll work with what we’ve got,” Anderson said. “That’s been the key to this basketball team. The guys that are ready to go out and perform, we’ll work with those guys. They practice every day and they’ve played in games — with the exception of Brandon — so they’ll have an opportunity.”