TULSA — Ninth-ranked Arkansas on Saturday exacted a bit of revenge against Oklahoma at BOK Center.
One year following their 22-point loss to the Sooners in the same arena, the Razorbacks impressed after a so-so defensive start and notched an 88-78 victory over Oklahoma. Arkansas improved to 9-1 overall with its fifth consecutive win.
In the game’s early stages, it appeared as if the Sooners would have another good day against the Razorbacks. More than 12 minutes into the game, Oklahoma had knocked down 13 of its first 16 shots.
With 7:56 left in the first half, Sooners guard Bijan Cortes added a layup to give Oklahoma a 30-23 lead. The Sooners led by as many as nine points before halftime.
Then Wichita State transfer Ricky Council and freshman guard Nick Smith took over.
Council led all scorers with 17 first-half points and Smith pitched in 10 of his own before halftime. Council had a key sequence late in the half that gave the Razorbacks momentum.
Late in the shot clock, he knocked down a contested step-back three-pointer near the 28-foot marker on the left wing, then added a layup in transition through contact and a free throw.
The free throw gave Arkansas a 39-38 lead with 1:43 to play before halftime and was part of a 10-2 close to the half. The Razorbacks led 43-40 at halftime.
They continued their strong play in the second half and ballooned their lead to as many as 16 points.
Arkansas pushed its edge to 11 points with 14:31 left following an 8-0 run. Makhi Mitchell added two layups during the stretch and Smith had a one-hand dunk assisted by Anthony Black after he stole a Sooners inbound pass.
Oklahoma pulled to within 73-64 with 4:47 left thanks to a Tanner Groves three-pointer, but Arkansas freshman Jordan Walsh responded with a three of his own.
Smith had 21 points prior to subbing out with 5:32 remaining after appearing to tweak his leg. Council added a game-high 26 points on 10 of 15 from the floor.
Makhi Mitchell was largely terrific again for Arkansas, finishing with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.
Walsh added 12 points and Black pitched in 8 points, 5 assists and 2 steals.
Grant Sherfield led the Sooners with 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting. He scored 11 points in the first half.
Arkansas will return to play next Saturday against Bradley in North Little Rock. The game is set to tip off at 3 p.m. from Simmons Bank Arena.