Smith picks up scoring slack on Izzy’s off night, but Hogs fall

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas fell to 1-4 in SEC play after a 94-62 loss to No. 19 Alabama (17-3, 4-2 SEC) on Sunday afternoon in Bud Walton Arena.

Sophomore guard Kiki Smith led all scorers with a season high 23 points. The Tide held Razorbacks guard Izzy Higgibottom to a season-low five points and snapped her streak of 30 games with double figures, dating back to her junior season at Arkansas State.

Arkansas and Alabama traded punches to start the game, with the Tide scoring first and Smith answering with a midrange jumper for her first points. The visitors stretched their lead and went 4-7 from three, including a buzzer beater from Zaay Green to take a 24-16 lead after the first quarter.

Arkansas Razorbacks Izzy Higginbottom drives against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. / Nilsen Roman-allHOGS Images

The Razorbacks had a strong open to the second quarter with a layup from Vera Ojenuwa. The Hogs forced a shot clock violation on Alabama’s next possession and Smith hit her first three of the game to get within three points, 24-21. From that moment on, the Tide went on a 14-2 run and never looked back. Alabama led 46-34 at halftime. Smith had her highest scoring quarter with 11 points.

The Tide opened the second half with an 18-2 run ended by Higginbottom’s first points from the field. Freshman Phoenix Stotijn scored eight of her 11 points in the fourth quarter and tied her career high with 3 three pointers.

Alabama had 4 players in double figures : Zaay Green (21 points, 9 rebounds), Karly Weathers (19 points), Essence Cody (13 points) and JeAnna Cunningham (10 points).

Up Next

The Hogs will resume SEC play at Vanderbilt (15-4, 2-3 SEC) on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Commodores took down No. 15 Tennessee on Sunday.

Information from Arkansas Communications is included in this story.