Reuters
Arkansas Razorbacks forward Makhi Mitchell (15) grabs a rebound in front of Georgia Bulldogs center Russel Tchewa (54) during the first half [Source: Reuters]
Justin Hill scored 19 points off the bench and Noah Thomasson added 15 points to help Georgia hold off visiting Arkansas 76-66 at Athens, GA., for the Bulldogs’ 10th consecutive victory.
The Bulldogs (12-3, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) survived a hard-fought game despite never trailing. RJ Melendez provided 10 points, including six with less than nine minutes in the game.
Tramon Mark poured in 24 points for Arkansas, but the Razorbacks (9-6, 0-2 SEC) failed to secure a much-needed notable victory. Mark was 10-for-10 on free throws, though he missed all four of his 3-point attempts. Trevon Brazile and reserve Jalen Graham tacked on nine points apiece for Arkansas.
Jabri Abdur-Rahim drained a 3-pointer to help Georgia fend off a rally, stretching the lead to 65-59 with about 4 1/2 minutes to play. That was his first basket in eight attempts from the floor.
Thomasson hit a pair of 3-pointers in 48 seconds early in the second half. But the Razorbacks were within 48-42 after Davonte Davis completed a three-point play with 11:58 remaining.
Trevon Brazile’s three-point play for Arkansas trimmed Georgia’s lead to 67-62 with 2:45 left. Arkansas committed a turnover that led to Sila Demary Jr.’s 3-pointer, which pushed the Bulldogs’ lead to 72-64 with 1:03 left.
Georgia took a 34-24 lead to the halftime break, aided by Hill’s 11 points off the bench. Arkansas shot 33.3 percent from the floor in the first half. Hill had three 3-pointers, while the Razorbacks were 1-for-6 from beyond the arc.
