The Arkansas basketball team faced a must-win game Thursday in the SEC tournament and couldn’t play up to the pressure in the end. The Hogs lost to South Carolina, 71-69, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, likely ending their hopes of making the NCAA tournament.
Arkansas has now lost it’s last two games of the season after winning six straight to get in the big dance discussion.
South Carolina opened up a six point lead in the first half, making timely three pointers and getting offensive rebounds. The Gamecocks finished with 15 offensive boards.
The second half saw multiple lead changes, including a 69-66 Arkansas lead with two minutes to go. The Hogs didn’t score again.
After South Carolina went ahead, 70-69, with 53 seconds remaining, Arkansas had two chances to take the lead, but couldn’t connect. Rashad Madden missed a jumper with 33 seconds left and Bobby Portis missed with three second left.
This marks the sixth straight loss for Arkansas in the SEC tournament dating back to 2009. The last time the Hogs won a conference tournament game was 2008, the last time they made the big dance.
Arkansas will await its fate on Selection Sunday at 5 p.m. on Channel 5.
