DALLAS – Arkansas is still learning on the fly with all the new plays. No. 8 Baylor took advantage of an inexperienced Razorback team. The Bears defeated the Hogs 72-67 at American Airlines Arena.

“I felt like we got off to a slow start,” guard Boogie Fland said. “We came out nonchalant, not knowing they were going to go into the zone. It was a surprise for us. I feel like we figured it out before the second half.”

Baylor threw Arkansas a curveball by playing a zone defense that wasn’t on camera in the Bears’ opener against Gonzaga, daring Arkansas to shoot threes and the Hogs couldn’t do it. arrive. The Razorbacks went 0 for 9 from beyond the arc and that gave Baylor the freedom to take an early lead.

“The reason Scott stayed in (the zone) and he should have (because) we looked so bad against the zone,” Calipari said. “Why would you get away with it?”

The Hogs still desperately miss the presence of Jonas Aidoo, who once again only played nine minutes. The frontcourt duo of Zvonimir Ivisic and Trevon Brazile only managed six points total.

Meanwhile, Norchad Omier battled through some early foul trouble to dominate in the paint with 15 points. Baylor outscored Arkansas 38-28 in the paint.

Experienced guard play also helped Baylor show its class. Jayden Nunn and Jeremy Roach combined for 29 points and hit three key points in the first half to build a double-digit first-half lead.

However, the Razorbacks showed their potential, especially Adou Theiro. He led all players with 24 points. Every time Baylor threatened to pull away, Arkansas fought back to keep the game interesting.

After being unable to hit a three, Arkansas made 4 of 6 shots from deep to cut the lead to just two, but Baylor just weathered the storm and never let Arkansas take the lead.

Five different players were in double figures for the Bears. Although Arkansas tied the game at 44 on a single-handed run by Theiro, the Hogs were never able to take the lead.

Even though projected first-round pick VJ Edgecombe made just 3 of 12 from the field, he made two key free throws in the final seconds and a key offensive rebound after the Hogs cut the deficit to one possession.

“(We got) a lot (from this game),” Calipari said. “You can play a team and try to win by 50 and what you learn is you can beat that kind of team by 50. The teams you try to compete with are like this team, like a Kansas . These kind of people we play.

Arkansas now returns home to face Troy. Tipoff is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. and will air on SEC+.

• Longhorns’ talent level in victory over Florida Hog problem

• The Razorbacks need speed against Baylor on Saturday night

• Angry No. 8 Bears await No. 16 Razorbacks in Dallas

• Baylor presents first test for older Calipari team with Hogs