Ricketts has 29 at Vanderbilt

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – University of Arkansas junior C’eira Ricketts scored 13 first-half points but couldn’t lift the No. 23/24 Razorbacks to a win at Vanderbilt Thursday in Southeastern Conference action.

Ricketts put Arkansas (15-3, 3-3 SEC) on her back and helped the Razorbacks close within three at the break. Ricketts finished with a career-high 29 points including a career-best four three-pointers but cold shooting from the rest of the Razorbacks was the difference as Vanderbilt (13-6, 4-2 SEC) got the 65-54 win.

"I can’t fault our effort," Arkansas head coach Tom Collen said. "We had some trouble executing our zone and they took advantage of that.

"C’eira played a great game," he continued. "She kept her head and did a great job carrying us tonight."

Arkansas cut the lead to three at the half and started the second frame well but a 9-0 run by Vanderbilt coupled with a nearly five-minute scoring drought dug the Razorbacks a hole they couldn’t climb out of.

Ricketts led all scorers and was one of two Razorbacks in double figures. She was joined by Daniels with 10 points.

Arkansas shot just 35.8 percent from the floor, going 19-for-53 in the game. The Razorbacks were in foul trouble early with sophomore Sarah Watkins getting two quick fouls and sitting for much of the first half. Watkins returned in the second half but fouled out with just over four minutes left to play.

"Losses hurt," Collen said, "but I know we can bounce back from this."

Arkansas returns to Bud Walton hosting Ole Miss Sunday at 2 p.m. It’s Christy Smith Day and the first 1,000 fans will receive a free poster.