Calipari Says Arkansas Must Get More Physical Before Virginia

Arkansas led Arkansas-Pine Bluff 25-2 early but went into halftime ahead 47-28. The Razorbacks did not create a decisive gap until a 14-0 surge pushed the score from 66-42 to 80-42 with under 10 minutes left. They finished with a 106-61 victory in their season opener.

Coach John Calipari said the team has areas to address before meeting Virginia, which began its season with an 89-60 win over Drexel on November 2. The Cavaliers are 1-0 and ranked No. 9; Arkansas is No. 12.

Free throws were one concern. After making 32 of 57 attempts across two exhibition games, Arkansas converted 30 of 42 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, or 71.4%. Calipari said the team missed its first three attempts, then made 75% of its free throws from that point.

Arkansas also showed more physicality after exhibition games against Gonzaga and Memphis. The Razorbacks blocked seven shots and were generally solid in the paint, but Calipari said they still needed to hold their ground, avoid losing rebounds and make contact first.

He described Virginia as an older, established top-10 opponent and said Arkansas would need to be more physical to compete. The teams are scheduled to meet Sunday at Capital One Arena in Washington.