Baylor surrenders lead; Knight wins 899th

By Associated Press     Jan 6, 2008

Baylor's Aaron Bruce, right, fights for a loose ball with Arkansas' Patrick Beverley, left. Arkansas edged Baylor, 85-78, Saturday in Dallas.

? Sonny Weems scored 18 of his 21 points after halftime, including consecutive three-pointers that tied the game and four free throws in the final 19 seconds, to help rally the Razorbacks to an 85-78 victory over Baylor on Saturday night.

Baylor fell short in another bid for a signature victory under fifth-year coach Scott Drew.

“I think we’ll learn a lot from this game that will help us,” Drew said.

Baylor hadn’t lost since a 67-64 home loss to No. 4 Washington State on Nov. 30, when the Bears blew a 14-point lead in the second half. The Bears, with victories this year against Wichita State, Notre Dame and South Carolina, led 48-41 at halftime after a 17-4 run over the final six minutes.

But after shooting 61 percent (20-of-33) before halftime, the Bears shot only 28 percent (11-of-39), including 1-of-12 from three-point range, in the second half.

Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight slips his shoe back on after partially losing it when he kicked the scorers' table. Knight earned his 899th victory Saturday in Lubbock, Texas.

“As poorly as we shot the ball in the second half, we were fortunate to have a chance,” Drew said. “Credit Arkansas. They really rose to the occasion, played like a team that’s been to back-to-back (NCAA) Tournaments.”

Texas Tech 75, UTEP 68

Lubbock, Texas – After 899 victories, Bob Knight is as feisty as ever.

With about 71â2 minutes remaining in the first half, Knight lost his right shoe when he kicked the front of the scorer’s table.

The coach was upset about a charging call against Esmir Rizvic. Shortly after replacing his shoe, he strode the length of table during a timeout and apparently told a Big 12 and NCAA official seated there to keep an eye on the officiating.

Less than a minute later, he got a technical for arguing with officials.

Knight’s first shot at win No. 900 will come Saturday at Oklahoma State in each team’s Big 12 opener.

No. 12 Texas A&M 79, LSU 53

College Station, Texas – Donald Sloan scored 17 points, and Texas A&M coasted past injury-riddled LSU for its seventh straight victory.

It’s the second-best start in school history and the first time the Aggies have been 14-1 since the 1921-22 season.

Texas A&M controlled the game from start to finish, jumping to a 9-0 lead and maintaining a margin of 20 points or more throughout most of the second half.

No. 14 Texas 81, Saint Mary’s 62

Austin, Texas – D.J. Augustin scored 30 points, and Texas, playing at full strength for the first time this season, rolled to an impressive victory.

Freshman Gary Johnson, playing in his second game after missing the first 13 while doctors monitored his heart, scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds for the Longhorns, who closed out their non-conference schedule.

Oklahoma 61, Rice 49

Norman, Okla. – Blake Griffin tied his career high with 18 points and added nine rebounds as Oklahoma pulled away in the second half.

It was the fourth straight win for the Sooners, who led by just three at halftime.

Oklahoma outscored the Owls 16-5 in the first 61â2 minutes of the second half to take a 46-33 lead.

Rice came no closer than 11 points the rest of the way.

Iowa State 77, North Dakota 51

Ames, Iowa – Wesley Johnson scored 15 points, Jiri Hubalek had 11, and Iowa State cruised past Division II North Dakota for its sixth straight home victory.

Rahshon Clark chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds for the Cyclones, who led by as much as 40 early in the second half en route to their seventh victory in eight games.

Iowa State opens Big 12 action next Saturday at Baylor.

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