FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) – Arkansas coach John Pelphrey didn’t hesitate in identifying the reason for the overtime loss to No. 25 Texas A&M over the weekend.
The Razorbacks (7-2) committed 24 turnovers and went down 71-62 in their second overtime loss of the season. The miscues have been a problem for Arkansas, which has more turnovers than assists this season despite a strength of schedule that ranks 297th in the country.
It’s an issue the Razorbacks hope to fix quickly as they close in on Southeastern Conference play. To do so, they’ll need more steady play from point guard Jeff Peterson.
Peterson, who sat out last season after transferring from Iowa, committed six turnovers and had no assists against the Aggies. The junior has more turnovers (22) than assists (21) in nine games this season, a far cry from the 1.34-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio he had as a sophomore with the Hawkeyes.
“I think we’re going to have to work at it and get better,” Pelphrey said. “I think he’s getting back in the rhythm of playing. I think all of us at times try to do a little too much with the ball. Maybe that’s it. He’ll play better. He’ll take care of the basketball.”
Arkansas led by as many as 10 points in the second half against Texas A&M, but the Aggies scored 14 points off Razorbacks’ turnovers to rally and send the game into overtime. Peterson led Arkansas with six turnovers, while guards Rickey Scott, Rotnei Clarke and Julysses Nobles had three each.
“We’re overhandling the ball a little bit and it’s not just those guys,” freshman Mardracus Wade said. “It’s some of the big men, too, and we’ve got to correct that.”
The lack of playmaking from Peterson has been particularly difficult to overcome for a team with five newcomers that is still searching for leadership. Peterson started 25 games as a sophomore at Iowa, averaging 10.6 points and 4.2 assists overall and improving to 11.6 points and 4.9 assists in Big Ten games.
This season, the junior is averaging 2.2 assists while adjusting to Pelphrey’s style and being looked at to replace former Arkansas point guard Courtney Fortson, who left the team after last season.
“He’s not going to lose confidence,” Wade said. “I think it is still a learning process for him. At Iowa, it was more of a slowdown offense, run it to perfection. Here, we’re more of a running, get up and down quick (offense), so I think he’s still trying to get used to the pace of the game plan here.
“But I think he’s getting used to it and as time goes on, he’ll get better.”
Pelphrey agreed. He said he wasn’t sure if Peterson was pressing, but he said the guard’s experience will pay off as he becomes more comfortable on the court.
“I’m sure he wants to do well,” Pelphrey said. “I’m sure he puts pressure on himself to do well. He’s played well at times. It’s a long season. He’ll have some good games going forward. He’ll probably have some bad games going forward.
“I would say he’s got confidence in making plays he needs to make at this level to be effective for a team.”
The Razorbacks host Texas Southern (2-7) on Wednesday night.
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