40 Minutes of Hell

[MJ4H]

This dynasty uses EPSN College Basketball 2k5 for PS2

I pick up the story of my coaching career in its second season at Arkansas,

where my goal is to bring another National Championship banner to the rafters of

Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

Last season was a disappointing one, with a loss in the second round of the SEC

Tournament and a loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

This season, we have brought in the first four players to be recruited by my staff.

C Milton Forney from Rohrerstown, PA
A very good inside player, especially on defense in the low post. He is also an

excellent rebounder and very durable. Should be the starter later this season.

PF Kasib Armstrong from Clifont, NJ
An aggressive inside presence and strong rebounder.

SF Cedric Woods from Murfreesboro, TN
Also a good inside player, but Woods brings a nice medium range jumper to the

game as well. Also a terrific ball-handler and outstanding defender.

SF Austin John from Akron, OH
At 6'9" John has a very nice inside game as well as ball-handling skills. Austin is also one of the faster players on the team.

[MJ4H]

So far in the 2004-2005 season, Arkansas is 4-0 with wins over UC-Irvine (80-44), Grambing State (80-55), Albany (61-42), and New Orleans (66-47).
Upcoming games will feature a trip to Cal-Coastside (4-0) and back home for Stephen F. Austin (0-1), USC (2-1), and Eastern Michigan (3-0).

Our roster has only one senior, and that is Michael Jones (C). Jones has been an important contributor this season and last, especially on the boards. Forney should step up to replace him nicely, but a project behind him would be a nice way to fill a scholarship, so that will be my main goal during that phase. A variety of players will be scouted, however. To this point, there are 8 players that have been looked at, 3 of them being centers. As the recruiting process develops, more updates on these and other players will be forthcoming.

Recruit Centers:
Sherman Owwn *****
Steven McBride ****
Ryan Webb *****

Out of the 3, McBride shows the most interest in Arkansas, listing us 3rd behind Syracuse and North Carolina.

[MJ4H]

Arkansas at California-Coastside

PG Eric Ferguson
SG Kendrick Davis
SF Jonathan Modica
PF Rashard Sullivan
C Michael Jones

PG Solomon Greene
SG Otis Borges
SF Thomas Jackson
PF Allan Hendrix
C Kent Walls

UCC comes out very hot, pounding inside and outside. Trailing by 3 at 13-10, Arkansas makes a run of 7 straight, feeding off of a three from Kendrick Davis, and some fastbreak baskets by Davis and Brewer. Another 7-0 run by Arkansas pushes the lead to 37-25 at the half. Kendrick Davis leads the Hogs at the half with 12 points.

7 more consecutive points to start the second half means a total run of 14-0 spanning halftime. A 44-25 lead looks insurmountable for the Pirates. Already leading by 17, Arkansas stormed to a 21-0 run to close the game, winning 75-37. The Hogs shot 63% FGs for the game, led by the 8/12 from the field performance by Kendrick Davis, who finished with 19 points. Rashard Sullivan had 8 rebounds, and freshman Milton Forney had 5 rebounds and added 8 points.

Michael Jones bruised his bicep during this game and is expected to be out of action for 4 days. Jones contributed 10 points and 3 rebounds before his injury took him out of the game.

Looking ahead, Arkansas plays Stephen F Austin on Saturday. A win there and Arkansas could crack the top 25. The previous poll had Arkansas getting 25 points, and #25 Notre Dame received 81 points. Previously #1 North Carolina State dropped to #5 after their loss (84-77) to Ohio State, allowing Syracuse (3-0) to take over the top spot in the poll.

Through 5 games, the statistical leaders for the Razorbacks are:

Kendrick Davis 14.2 ppg
Ronnie Brewer 11.2 ppg

Rashard Sullivan 8.0 rpg
Milton Forney 7.4 rpg

Johanthan Modica 2.6 apg
Eric Ferguson 2.6 apg

Jonathan Modica 1.2 spg
several tied at 1.0 spg

National Leaders include:

James Nelson (Tulane) 21.0 ppg
Treveor Del Rosario (Idaho State) 16.0 rpg
Bernie Howel (Butler) 9.3 apg
Sean Frey (Texas-Arlington) 4.0 spg

[GoldenEagle]

How do you like the game?

[MJ4H]

I really like it, but you should not it is 2k5 and not 2k6

[GoldenEagle]

Originally Posted by MattJones4Heisman

I really like it, but you should not it is 2k5 and not 2k6

That's right. If you are an Arkansas fan, you are always a year behind.

[MJ4H]

What?

[MJ4H]

Arkansas vs Stephen F. Austin (1-2)

Our scouting report reveals that Stuart McCormick is a great dribbler and shooter.

Two recruits will be attending this game (W.B. Den Boer and Chad Engle).

Starting Lineups:

PG Stuart McCormick
SG Bobby Butch
SF Alex Koger
PF Timothy Castro
C B.Jay Gregory

PG Eric Ferguson
SG Kendrick Davis
SF Jonathan Modica
PF Rashard Sullivan
C Michael Jones

A blistering start by the Razorbacks has them scoring 22 points in the first 6 minutes of the half. However, Lumberjacks scored 16 in that same time, keeping the Hogs within sight. The pace slowed somewhat until the last couple of minutes of the half, when Arkansas pushed their lead to double digits, taking a 40-27 lead into the locker room. Kendrick Davis and Jonathan Modica led the Hogs with 9 apiece, while Bobby Butch led the Lumberjacks with 6 points in the first frame.

A 16-0 run midway through the second half propelled this match into blowout territory. The lead peaked at 41 points, 86-45 with 2.2 seconds to go in the game, but 3 points via free throws trimmed the lead to 86-48. The out-rebounded the Lumberjacks 36-24, led by Michael Jones with 9 along with 22 points. Jones ignited the huge second half surge with his post play and rebounding.

[MJ4H]

Arkansas (6-0) vs USC (5-1)

The scouting report for USC lets us know about Bud Franklin and Jessie McNamara, who are both threats from the perimeter. USC's offenses depends highly on this perimeter game.

Two more recruits will be attending this game (Robert Bruff and Denver Atuahene).

This should be the toughest test of the young season for the Hogs.

Starting Lineups

PG Rick Gates
SG Bud Franklin
SF Jessie McNamara
PF Doug Morton
C Marc Wade

PG Eric Ferguson
SG Kendrick Davis
SF Jonathan Modica
PF Rashard Sullivan
C Michael Jones

Knowing that USC relies on perimeter shooting, Arkansas attempts to play a lot of man-to-man defense and really pressure the perimeter shooters. USC uses their inside game well in the beginning, taking an 8-6 lead early. However, once the Hogs are able to learn how to defend inside against them, the Trojan offense suffers mightily. A 26-6 run ends the half, and Arkansas heads to the locker room with a 42-22 lead.

The second half was much more evenly matched, but the Razorbacks still won 71-49. Rashard Sullivan was the MVP with 10 rebounds. He also added 6 points.

[GoldenEagle]

Originally Posted by MattJones4Heisman

What?

I am a Memphis fan

Arkansas would have never won the national championship if that phantom hand-check on Chris Garnder had not have been called.

[MJ4H]

Who the crap is Chris Garnder

[MJ4H]

Arkansas vs. Eastern Michigan (5-2)

The Eagles have a greeat dribbler and shooter for us to keep an eye on in Fred Morandais. Their record is solid, as well, so we can't be too overconfident going it to this game.

Lionel House and Bob Faye are two recruits attending today's home game with EMU.

PG Fred Morandais
SG Terrance Tatum
SF Charlie Quinn
PF Brandin Hoskin
C Shannon Evans

PG Eric Ferguson
SG Kendrick Davis
SF Jonathan Modica
PF Rashard Sullivan
C Michael Jones

Arkansas jumps out to a 10 point lead at 17-7, where the margin stays for most of the first frame. The lead peaks at 13, and then is trimmed down to 9 for the halftime margin, 36-27. Eastern Michigan had several oppurtunities to cut it to 7 or less as time wound down in the first frame but failed. Jonathan Modica paced the Hogs' first half with 12 points.

More of the same in the 2nd half until the lead surges to as high as 23 points before finally settling at the final 21 point margin, 71-50. Michael Jones was electrifying, hitting 8 of 10 from the floor for 18 points, most coming during a second half flurry in which he scored 10 straight points on 5 straight possessions for the Razorbacks. Jones earned the MVP of the game for his performance.

One of the goals I have for the non-conference seasons is to work some of my freshmen into the starting line-up. I have decided to go ahead and make a couple of changes. I'm going to plug Brewer into the PF slot in place of Rashard Sullivan and Milton Forney will now start at C. Forney has been playing well, but so has Michael Jones. Jones, however is a bit streaky, and I'd like to see if I can encourage Forney to develop a bit and see if he will be more consistent.

[MJ4H]

Our next game is on he road, at Portland (1-8). Our scouting report tells us that they are a very inconsistent team, so we cannot take them lightly. If they have a big game, and we are overlooking them a bit, it could be a rough night.

PG Eric Ferguson
SG Kendrick Davis
SF Jonathan Modica
PF Ronnie Brewer
C Milton Forney

PG Franklin Henderson
SG Eroll Baldwin
SF Bud Lee
PF Jan Jensen
C Greg Farley

On Arkansas' first possession of the game, Davis drives to the hoop. Greg Farley tries to stop him but winds up spraining his wrist and is lost for the game and two weeks. Forney responds to the insertion into the starting lineup, going 4-4 from the floor in the first half for 8 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. Portland held a 21-20 lead, but a 13-0 run gave Arkansas a nice cushion, and the teams headed to the locker room with a score of Ark 41, Por 30.

Arkansas played extremely well in the second half. So well, in fact, that they stayed ahead by about 20 even throughout a barrage of 5 straight trips by Portland that resulted in 5 three pointers late in the second half. Kendrick Davis tallied 26 points in the 80-61 victory. Rashard Sullivan suffered a brusied rib and Olu Famutimi suffered a hip pointer. Both are expected back for the next game, which is a full week away, vs. IPFW

[MJ4H]

Arkansas at IPFW

The IPFW Mastadons are 2-7 so far this season. They have a 7 footer at center, Alex Fitzgerald. Arkansas relies a lot on the inside game so this could be a real test.

PG Jeromy Walker
SG Jeff Pulley
SF Pete Madison
PF Tim Hutchinson
C Alex Fitzgerald

PG Eric Ferguson
SG Kendrick Davis
SF Jonathan Modica
PF Ronnie Brewer
C Milton Forney

A lot of trouble early inside, Fitzgerald alters a lot of shots in the opening frame. Eventually the Hogs get rolling a bit, opening up a 10 point lead at 23-13. However, the Matadors continue to play strong defense and get timely offensive rebounds and stickbacks and claw their way back into it. The halftime scoreboard reads 29-26 Arkansas.

On Arkansas' first offensive possession of the second half, Jonathan Modica goes down with a sprained shoulder. It doesn't look good and Modica is likely out for 3 weeks. The Mastodons made a huge comeback in the second half, and went ahead and took the lead. With 3 minutes to go, IFPW led 50-45. Arkansas fights back with fast break baskets from Kendrick Davis and Eric Ferguson to get back within 1 point at 52-51 with 30 seconds to go. Mastodon guard Jeff Pulley charges into Kendrick Davis with 11 seconds to go and Arkansas gets the ball back. Davis dribbles up the court, entering the frontcourt with about 7 seconds to go. Davis finds the freshman, Milton Forney, isolated on Fitzgerald underneath on the left side and feeds him the ball. Forney makes his move and puts up a shot off the glass...

It rolls off the rim! Rashard Sullivan is there and gathers in the rebound with just under 2 to go. He puts it off the glass and in! 0.4 seconds are left on the clock as Arkansas retakes the lead 53-52! A desperation heave by an IFPW guard is nowhere close and Arkansas escapes with their first close win of the season.

The Mastdons made it a game in the 2nd half with 3 point shooting (5-12 for the game), and steals (9 for the game). The Hogs committed 19 turnovers in the game compared to only 9 for IFPW. The 7 footer, Fitzgerald, was neither a threat on offense, nor really a threat to block shots. Where he was a problem was picking off passes into the post and clogging up the lane. The Razorbacks will hopefully learn from this stern test and improve.

With their 10-0 start, the Hogs are unofficially ranked #26 in the nation (receiving 66 poll votes, 6 points behind #25 Tulsa, who received 72). A win at 10-1 Wisconsin will almost definitely boost them into the top 25.

[MJ4H]

Arkansas (10-0) at Wisconsin (10-1)

Darrel Mendoza is a great shooter and ballhandler for the Badgers, Paul Plavich is a triple post threat. Also, the Badgers have a real force down low in Patrick Edwards. Definitely the sternest test for the Hogs in the young season so far, the Badgers should be tough, especially in their gym.

Modica is out for a bit with a strained shoulder, so Famutini will replace him in the line-up.

Wisconsin has 2 recruits visiting for this game.

The first thing the undefeated Razorbacks hear as they enter the Kohl Center is one of the most famous fight songs in the country, "On Wisconsin." A great atmosphere for a huge early season tilt.

Starting Lineups

PG Eric Ferguson
SG Kendrick Davis
SF Olu Famutini
PF Ronnie Brewer
C Milton Forney

PG Darrel Mendoza
SG Keith Flowers
SF Smackey Newsome
PF Paul Plavich
C Patrick Edwards

Disastrous start for the Hogs. Numerous turnovers off of bad passes lead to a big early deficit, which peaks at 17-4 and then 24-6. A strong finish by Arkansas sends the two teams into the locker room with the Badgers leading 30-21. Turnovers were the story in the first half with the Razorbacks committing 10 compared to the Badgers' 5. The Hogs seemed to get a lift when the more experienced Michael Jones entered the game to replace the freshman, so Jones will start the 2nd half.

Jones comes out on fire in the second half, scoring the first 5 points himself. A 13-2 run give the Hogs their first lead at 33-32! The lead goes back and forth over the next 10 minutes until finally with 4 minutes to play, Arkansas has staked a 53-48 lead. Six straight for the Badgers, however, and we are right back to a Wisconsin lead. After a single free throw, we are under 30 seconds with Wisconsin clinging to a 2 point lead.

A pass into the post to an isolated Forney finds nothing, but Forney spots a cutting Cedric Woods who calmy hits an 8-footer to tie the game. Great poise from both of the freshmen! 20 seconds remain for Wisconsin to run a play. As the clock runs under 10 seconds, a foul is called on another freshman, Austin John. Famutini promptly steals a tipped inbounds pass and the Hogs call timeout with 5.4 seconds to go in the game.

Kendrick Davis gets the ball on the left side with about 1 second to go but can't get a shot off so we head to overtime!

In the overtime period, Arkansas clings to a 2 point lead at 68-66 as the clock craws under one minute. A tough defensive possession goes down the tubes as Darrel Mendoza cans a desperation 3-pointer AND gets fouled! After the free throw, Wisconsin takes a 2 point lead! A blown layup on the other end leads to another Wisconsin possession. They capitalize again, and push the lead to 4 at 72-68. Wisconsin hits their free throws, and despite a valiant effort by the Razorbacks on the road, they can't catch the one final break they need and fall 76-72 to the Wisconsin Badgers in overtime. A terrific college basketball game. Deservedly, the MVP is Darrel Mendoza who finished with 27 points. The Badgers out-rebounded the Razorbacks big, 27-18, and Arkansas finished with 26 turnovers to Wisconsin's 14. Milton Forney, who responded BIG to being taken out of the game for Michael Jones led the Razorbacks with 15 points and 9 rebounds.