Breaking News: Arkansas Razorbacks Bring Back a Familiar Face as Mike Anderson Returns as Bench Coach Amid Loss to Baylor

The Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball program has welcomed back a familiar figure: Mike Anderson, the seasoned coach and former Razorback head coach, has returned as a bench coach. Anderson, a fan favorite during his previous stint from 2011-2019, brings extensive experience and a defensive-minded approach that Razorback fans hope will bolster the team’s strategies and stability on the court. The return of Anderson comes as Arkansas grapples with early season challenges, including a tough loss to Baylor.

Baylor Edges Out Arkansas in a Close Game, 72-67

In a heated matchup Saturday night at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, the No. 8-ranked Baylor Bears held on to defeat No. 16 Arkansas, 72-67. Jayden Nunn led the Bears with 16 points, while Norchad Omier delivered a strong performance with a double-double, tallying 15 points and 12 rebounds. This game marked Baylor’s rebound from their season-opening blowout loss to Gonzaga, in which they were defeated 101-63. Despite that setback, Baylor showed resilience and determination, keeping Arkansas at bay throughout the intense matchup.

Cold Shooting for Arkansas as Key Moments Swing in Baylor’s Favor

Arkansas struggled with cold shooting from beyond the arc, which hindered their ability to capitalize on key possessions. Freshman guard Boogie Fland led Arkansas with 17 points and seven assists and managed to keep Arkansas within striking distance late in the game. With just 24 seconds left, Fland sank a deep three-pointer, narrowing the score to 70-67. However, Baylor broke Arkansas’s press, and freshman V.J. Edgecombe iced the game with two clutch free throws.

Adou Thiero, one of four transfers who joined head coach John Calipari from Kentucky, contributed a game-high 24 points for the Razorbacks, shooting an impressive 10-for-15 from the field. Arkansas’s lineup, featuring six transfers and three freshmen, faced their first significant test after an initial win over Lipscomb. Despite a competitive showing, the Razorbacks could not overcome Baylor’s well-rounded attack and clutch shooting.

Notable Performances and Takeaways

For Baylor, the team’s poise under pressure was evident as they avoided a second consecutive loss to a ranked opponent. Jeremy Roach contributed 13 points, while Edgecombe and Robert Wright added 11 and 10 points, respectively, to Baylor’s balanced offense.

For Arkansas, this game highlighted the importance of early cohesion, especially given their heavy reliance on new players. The Razorbacks mounted an 11-2 run early in the second half to tie the game at 44-44, but Baylor responded with back-to-back three-pointers from Nunn and Edgecombe, establishing a lead they would not relinquish.

Looking Forward

Baylor (1-1) will look to build on this momentum as they host Sam Houston on Tuesday night, while Arkansas (1-1) will aim to regroup as they return to Fayetteville to host Troy on Wednesday. The Razorbacks will play four consecutive home games, a stretch that could help them find their rhythm and improve shooting consistency. Anderson’s return to the bench offers a promising support for the Razorbacks as they navigate the challenges of a competitive schedule and build chemistry among new roster additions.

With Mike Anderson back in the fold and fresh talent on the roster, Arkansas is expected to continue refining their approach as they chase success in the 2024 season under the guidance of John Calipari and his coaching team.