Hogs rally for overtime win 91-87

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -Michael Washington scored 18 of his 30 points in the second half and led Arkansas to a 91-87 overtime win Friday night over Southeastern Louisiana in the season opener for both teams.

Arkansas rallied from a nine-point deficit in the closing minutes of regulation on a 3-pointer from freshman Rotnei Clarke with 28 seconds remaining and a driving layup by freshman Courtney Fortson that tied the game at 77-77 with eight seconds to go.

In overtime, SLU led 81-80 following a free throw by Robert Tibbs, but Washington scored seven straight points to give Arkansas (1-0) a leadit would not lose. He made three free throws, scored on a dunk and closed the run with two more free throws for an 87-81 lead with 26 seconds to play.

Southeastern pulled within 88-87 on a pair of 3-pointers from Kevyn Green, the first with 19 seconds to go and the second with nine seconds remaining, but Arkansas made four of six free throws in the last 16 seconds to seal the win. Fortson was 2-of-4 and Stefan Welsh 2-of-2.

Fortson finished with 18 points for Arkansas and Clarke added 17. Fortson also added seven assists and five rebounds. Clarke was 6-of-11 shooting overall and 5-of-8 on three-pointers. Junior college transfer Montrell McDonald had seven points and eight rebounds.

Green led Southeastern Louisiana (0-1) with 21 and Warren Span added 20.

Southeastern built a nine-point lead with5:52 remaining, 70-61, when Brandon Fortenberry scored on a 3-point play.

The win extended a pair of streaks for the Razorbacks. Arkansas has now won 14 straight season-openers and 35 consecutive home openers.

Washington’s point total is easily a career high, topping his previous mark of 17 against Florida in 2007. His 14 rebounds is also a personal best. His previous high was 12 against Missouri State and Oklahoma last season.

The Razorbacks play again on Thursday, Nov. 20, when they play host to California-Davis for a 7:05 p.m. game.