FAYETTEVILLE — Michael Washington’s back was fine the whole game. Walt Harris’ back went out on him in the second half.
That was a key difference in Arkansas’ 72-69 victory over Stephen F. Austin on Saturday in Walton Arena before an announced crowd of 8,859.
Washington, the Razorbacks’ 6-9 All-SEC senior forward sidelined earlier this season by a back injury, had season highs of 25 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals as Arkansas (6-5) won its fourth consecutive game.
“Mike’s had some great performances, but this one is up there,” Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey said. “We said, ‘Mike, you almost have to play perfect,’ and somehow he came through with it.”
Harris, a 6-5 senior guard, led the Lumberjacks (6-3) with 22 points in 23 minutes before being forced to the bench for the final 15:16 because of a strained back muscle.
When Harris went out, Stephen F. Austin led 40-39.
“He was in the zone so to speak,” Lumberjacks Coach Danny Kaspar said. “I was worried about how we were going to respond without him in the game.”
Arkansas freshman forward Marshawn Powell responded with a fast-break dunk to give the Razorbacks the lead for good, 41-40, with 14:57 left.
Arkansas stretched its lead to 64-53 at the 5:07 mark as senior guard Stefan Welsh scored eight consecutive points, but Stephen F. Austin pulled within 71-69 with 12.7 seconds left on Eddie Williams’ three-pointer.
The Lumberjacks then fouled Rotnei Clarke, who hit of 1 of 2 free throws to make it 72-69 with 11.2 seconds left.
Arkansas held on to win when Stephen F. Austin junior forward Mark Gomillia missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer.
“We knew we had to play 40 minutes of basketball,” Welsh said. “They showed their resilience.
“Our hats go off to them. We were very fortunate to get this win.”
The Lumberjacks were unfortunate to lose Harris, who hit 8 of 14 shots, including 3 of 5 three-pointers. Would they have won with Harris playing down the stretch?
“If and buts, huh?” Kaspar said.
Arkansas has had its share of injury problems this season, including Washington missing losses to South Alabama and Oklahoma because of a sprained back.
Washington said after Saturday’s victory he’s still getting treatment for his back, but that he’s healthy and feeling good, and he looked it the way he dived on the floor for loose balls and banged inside.
“His energy the whole way through and his performance were huge,” Pelphrey said. “We don’t win without that.
“I thought he kept our attitude in a great place.”
Washington hit 10 of 18 shots, including 2 of 3 threepointers, and 3 of 6 free throws.
“There are so many teamsacross the country that would like to have a big man like Mike,” said Welsh, who had 13 points in 25 minutes off the bench. “He can get big buckets down the stretch.
“He’s back to 100 percent, and we’re really happy to have him where he’s at. When he’s got it going, it opens it up for everybody else.”
Washington’s last basket came in the lane over two defenders to give Arkansas a 68-64 lead with 1:14 left.
“I couldn’t look at the shot clock, so I just put it up and it went in,” Washington said.
“A big-time bucket from a big-time player,” Welsh said.
Welsh and junior guard Marcus Britt - who had 11 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds - each hit 2 of 2 free throws in the final 42 seconds to help the Razorbacks hang on to win.
Powell and Clarke, who played off the bench after missing the Razorbacks’ 76-51 victory over Alabama State on Wednesday night because tendinitis in his left knee, each scored nine points.
Stephen F. Austin was tough inside with 6-7 forwards Jereal Scott (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Jordan Glynn (14 points, 12 rebounds).
“I’m disappointed we lost, but I feel like our players came up here and gave them a good game,” Kaspar said. “And I think that Arkansas, particularly in the second half, played pretty good basketball.
“It was a good game. I thought the fans got their money’s worth.”
Sports, Pages 27 on 12/20/2009