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Eric Musselman provides injury update on Makhel Mitchell

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•01/25/23•

ChandlerVessels

After leaving Saturday’s win against Ole Miss with a foot injury late, Arkansas big man Makhel Mitchell did not play Tuesday in a 60-40 win against LSU. Mitchell was still dressed out, but never left the bench as the Razorbacks cruised to victory.

Asked to provide an update postgame, coach Eric Musselman described Mitchell as “day-to-day,” opening up the door for him to return in any of the next few games.

“He’s day-to-day,” Musselman said. “Was out for sure tonight. The suiting up, I just felt like we had enough dudes in street clothes. Can you just suit up so when I look down there I think I have another body? He was like, ‘Yeah. Sure, coach.’ Because he did not have his shoe tied, I promise you that.”

After seeing limited time off the bench over the first half of the season, Mitchell started the two games prior to Saturday. Although he returned to a bench role against the Rebels, Mitchell still made an impact defensively in 21 minutes to finish with four points, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

So far this season, Mitchell is averaging 3.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and one block across just 8.9 minutes per game. However, those numbers have increased to 5.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and two blocks in 20 minutes per game over his past three contests.

Even with Makhel Mitchell out due to injury, the Razorbacks defense was still stout Tuesday against the Tigers. LSU shot just 14-of-54 (25.9%), and made only three field goals in the first half as Arkansas ended on a 23-2 run to take a 38-14 advantage into halftime. The Razorbacks also forced 15 turnovers.

The win marked the second straight for Arkansas, improving its SEC record to 3-5 after a 1-5 start to league play. Still, the Razorbacks still have a long way to go as they are currently ninth in the conference standings.

Arkansas’ next game is against a nonconference opponent, as it faces No. 17 Baylor on Saturday in Waco. It seems Mitchell may at least have a chance to play in that contest, which tips at 3 p.m. CT.