Arkansas wins at Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.. – Sarah Watkins hit a layup with eight seconds on the clock forcing overtime with the game tied at 62, and Lyndsay Harris hit two in overtime giving the University of Arkansas a 72-71 win in overtime over No. 9/11 Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., Thursday.

The win moves Arkansas 21-6 overall and 10-5 in the SEC as the Razorbacks won in Knoxville for the first time in program history.

The Razorbacks hit the final four points and held Tennessee scoreless late for the win.

“They came out and played four-minute games and just never gave up,” said Arkansas head coach Tom Collen.  “We shot 50 percent from the floor and we picked a good time to do it.”

Harris paced Arkansas with 20 points and Watkins had 18.  Senior C’eira Ricketts added 16 in the win.

Arkansas’ first half effort was fantastic and they played themselves to a 31-26 lead at the break.  Harris had 11 points to lead all scorers in the first 20 minutes but Arkansas’ aggressive play racked up nine fouls.  The Razorbacks shot 57.9 percent in the first half hitting 11-of-19 shots and the Razorbacks did a good job defensively, holding Tennessee to 9-for-20 from the floor and forcing 10 Lady Vol turnovers.

Tennessee came out much more aggressive defensively in the second half and outscored Arkansas 36-31 in the second half but Watkins layup allowed Arkansas to hold on to the tie and force the extra period.

The Razorbacks finished the game hitting 25-for-50 from the floor and eight three pointers.  The win is Arkansas fourth of the season over a ranked opponent.

“It’s an outstanding win,” Collen said.  “I’m so proud of our players.  They proved to themselves they can play with anyone in the country.”

Arkansas travels to South Carolina Sunday closing out the SEC regular season.