Razorbacks drop 73-51 decision to Auburn

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas men’s basketball team’s recent struggles continued Saturday afternoon with a 73-51 loss to Auburn at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas (12-5, 0-4) scored the first points of the game, but never held the lead again in a game that saw the Razorbacks’ shoot just 30.2 percent from the field.Stefan Welsh and Courtney Fortson led the home team with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Michael Washington added eight points and 12 rebounds. Auburn (12-7, 2-3) finished the game with four players in double figures, led by DeWayne Reed and his 16 points.Trailing by double digits through most of the second half, the Razorbacks cut the deficit to five with a three pointer by Welsh at the 11:35 mark and Auburn led 52-47. However, Arkansas went cold from the field and was held to four points the rest of the way. The home team didn’t score over the final 6:35 of play.Welsh opened the scoring with a three pointer, but Auburn took control of the first half with its outside shooting. The Tigers connected on seven of their first eight three-point attempts and built a 10-point lead, 26-16, with 9:13 to play before the half.The Razorbacks trailed 33-21 with just under six minutes to play in the first half, but outscored Auburn, 10-5, down the stretch to cut the deficit to seven at halftime. Fortson finished the half with 10 points to lead Arkansas.Senior Marcus Monk was withheld from Saturday’s game pending a review of an issue that could affect his eligibility. Monk will be able to continue practicing with the team during the review.The Hogs return to action Thursday for an SEC matchup against Alabama at Bud Walton Arena. The game is set for an 8:05 p.m. tip and will be televised by ESPN. For more news, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.