With 42 points from Khalif Battle, Arkansas defeats Missouri 88-73

Fayetteville, Arkansas – Sean East II of the Tigers put up a 33-point effort, but Khalif Battle eclipsed it with 42 points to lead Arkansas to an 88-73 victory against Missouri on Saturday, completing a season sweep.

With 7:27 remaining, Battle exceeded his previous record of 32 points with two free throws and a four-point play. He ended up shooting 14 of 14 from the free-throw line and 11 of 15 from the field, including 6 of 10 from beyond the arc.

“This is the best because it’s on the big stage,” Battle said. “This is the SEC and no game is easy. To be able to put 42 up and get the win and get the home crowd — there’s nothing better than this right here.”

East easily surpassed his previous career milestone of 25, established last week against Ole Miss, by hitting 9 of 14 from the field and 15 of 16 from the free-throw line. East did this without trying a 3-point shot.

With 11:04 remaining, Connor Vanover dunk to tie the score at 50-50 for the Tigers. A minute later, Nick Honor made two free throws to put the Tigers within one, 53-52, but Battle scored back-to-back 3-pointers to ignite a 14-5 run that gave the Razorbacks a 67-57 advantage with over five minutes remaining.

25 of 52 shots (48.1%) from the field were made by Arkansas (14-13, 5-9 SEC), with 10 of 25 (40%) coming from a distance. Tramon Mark contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Makhi Mitchell finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

Honor led Missouri with 14 points at the end, and Tamar Bates added 11 more points after going 6 for 6 from the free throw line.

Missouri (8-19) has lost eight of its past ten games against the Razorbacks, is 2-10 when playing at Fayetteville, and has yet to secure a victory in its first 14 SEC games.

Vanderbilt visits Arkansas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Missouri takes on No. 24 Florida.