FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM)- Arkansas coach Mike Anderson has been preaching defense to his team the last couple of weeks. Saturday's game was the proof. Arkansas beat Mississippi State 61-41 at Bud Walton Arena to improve to 7-3 in the SEC.
The Bulldogs didn't score in a stretch of 13:22 in the first half while Arkansas went on a 20-0 run and built a 30-9 halftime lead.
Mississippi State finished the first half 2-21 from the floor and didn't make a field goal in the final 14:40.
The nine points were the fewest Arkansas has ever given up in the first half of an SEC game.
Overall the Hogs forced 24 turnovers, with 14 steals and 6 blocks.
Bobby Portis led all players with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Anthlon Bell added 12, all from three-point land.
Arkansas also dominated points in the paint with 30 compared to Mississippi State's 18.
The Razorbacks travel to Auburn Tuesday night.