Davonte Davis shares how Arkansas handled struggles on offense vs. Illinois

Even Eric Musselman has admitted the Arkansas defense tends to be inconsistent. But the Razorbacks make up for it with one big thing, according to guard Davonte Davis.

“Defense, defense, defense,” Davis said.

That mentality came in handy Thursday night when Arkansas knocked off Illinois 73-63 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Razorbacks shot just 38.7% from the field, but held the Fighting Illini to 38.5% shooting. That effort was led by Davis, an SEC All-Defense Team selection who also scored 16 points for Arkansas in the game.

Turning that defense into offense helps, as well, Davis said.

“That’s our team,” Davis told TBS’ Allie LaForce after the game. “Just getting stops and then, just putting on a run within the fast break game. I think we did that. I think we withheld our lead that we had, and I think we came through pretty good.”

The NCAA Tournament isn’t unfamiliar territory for Davis and the Razorbacks. This year marks Arkansas’ third straight trip to the big dance — and it will also mark the second straight year Musselman’s group will face the No. 1 seed. By defeating Illinois, Arkansas advances to take on No. 1 seed Kansas in the Round of 32.

Davis certainly remembers what happened last year when the Razorbacks drew top-seeded Gonzaga in the Sweet Sixteen.

“It’s not going to be the first time,” Davis said of facing the No. 1 seed. “We’re going to be ready, we’re going to get prepared. We’re going to make sure we come in and get our guys to fight and try to win this thing.”

Arkansas knocks off Illinois, advances to second round of March Madness

Fueled by 18 points from Ricky Council IV and 16 points from Davis, Arkansas fought off a late Illinois surge to get the 73-63 victory and advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

Arkansas had a chance to put the game away in the second half, but the Fighting Illini charged back to get as close as five points. But the Razorbacks turned up their intensity on defense to cause Illinois to struggle and wind up getting the victory.

Now, Arkansas will turn its attention to a matchup with Kansas in the next round. The Jayhawks easily handled Howard 96-68 in its opening game of March Madness as all five starters reached double-digit scoring, led by 20 points from Jalen Wilson and 19 from Gradey Dick.