Arkansas’ Clarke makes 13 3s, scores 51
November 13, 2009
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP)—Rotnei Clarke shook free with a nifty crossoverdribble and let one more 3-pointer fly. When it went in, he exchanged a joyfulchest bump with a teammate.
For 40 minutes, Arkansas gave its fans a reason to feel good again.
Clarke set a Southeastern Conference record with 13 3-pointers, part of ascintillating 51-point performance in Arkansas’ 130-68 win over Alcorn State onFriday night. The Razorbacks were missing five suspended players after atumultuous offseason, but the small crowd at Bud Walton Arena was on its feetfrom the start.
“I just felt like every time I shot it it was going in,” Clarke said. “Iguess it was just one of those zones.”
Clarke made nine of his 3-pointers in the first half as the Razorbacks (1-0)built a 71-26 lead. He broke Martin Terry’s school record of 47 points, theneclipsed the SEC mark of 12 3-pointers set by Arkansas’ Al Dillard.
His last basket gave the Razorbacks a 120-49 lead, then he checked out ofthe game with 5:16 remaining.
“I haven’t seen a better shooting performance than that, coaching orplaying with anybody,” said Arkansas coach John Pelphrey, a former Kentuckyplayer. “It was really, really remarkable.”
Arkansas won only two SEC games last season. Less than three months ago,three Arkansas players were accused of rape. No charges were filed after aninvestigation, but Pelphrey said his athletes should be held to a higherstandard of conduct. He suspended each of the three for multiple games, thoughhe didn’t say why.
Two other players were suspended indefinitely for reasons the team wouldn’tdisclose.
With off-court problems looming over the program, the estimated attendancewas 7,700—a significant drop from the opener a season ago. The fans who showedup saw one of the Razorbacks’ greatest performances. Clarke finished 15 of 21from the field and 13 of 17 from 3-point range. He scored 31 points in the firsthalf.
“The way he was shooting the 3s, I don’t see how you can possibly losehim,” Alcorn State coach Larry Smith said. “We failed to get him covered.”
Jemal Farmer added 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for Arkansas, andMarshawn Powell had 17 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Washington, who committedtwo fouls in the first 46 seconds, finished with 14 points.
“I think everybody had fun,” Pelphrey said. “Good for those young menthat show up every day early, ready to work, encourage each other, serious aboutgoing to school. Good for them.”
Clarke made his first seven shots, all from 3-point range. When he finallymissed, a few fans in the student section started applauding politely, as ifthey’d just seen a pitcher lose a no-hitter.
The crowd gave the Razorbacks a standing ovation at halftime, and Clarkereceived a small one after scoring his 48th point on a free throw with 10:21still to play.
“He just could not miss,” Farmer said. “It was crazy.”
Tony Eackles led Alcorn State (0-2) with 15 points. The Braves finished withfive assists and 24 turnovers.
Clarke played 34 minutes in the blowout. Arkansas was only expected to haveeight players, but a couple walk-ons suited up to lengthen the bench a bit.Everyone had a chance to play.