Turnovers Doom No. 18 Hogs in Loss to Providence

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – No. 18 Arkansas tied a school record with 32 turnovers as Providence pulled away for a 67-51 victory on Friday in the second round of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off.

Following an off day on Saturday, the Razorbacks complete the tournament with a 4 p.m. (central) game against Virginia Commonwealth on Sunday. VCU lost to Miami on Friday, 69-63. Miami and Providence advanced to the championship game.

The Razorbacks, who turned the ball over 26 times in Thursday’s 75-49 win over College of Charleston, had 18 turnovers in the first half against Providence, but ended the period with an 8-2 run to close within 32-28 at the break.

The Friars, who returned four starters and 11 lettermen from last year’s 18-13 squad, pushed the margin to 37-28 on five straight points by Brian McKenzie before a Gary Ervin three pulled the Hogs (2-1) within 37-31.

Geoff McDermott and McKenzie hit back-to-back threes to put Providence up 43-31. Arkansas got within 43-35 on a Patrick Beverley dunk, but that was as close as the Razorbacks would get.

Arkansas limited the Friars to 38 percent shooting and forced 20 turnovers, but the Hogs shot only 43 percent and got out-rebounded 34-33.

Beverley led the Razorbacks with 14 points, but was just 3-of-11 shooting. Darian Townes had 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting and seven rebounds.

McKenzie led Providence with 18 points while McDermott had 15.