Howland happy with team's performance against Arkansas

Mississippi State coach Ben Howland calls out to players during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)Mississippi State coach Ben Howland was well aware Arkansas was without leading scorer JD Notae and two more players, but it did not diminish his team's win Wednesday.

Redshirt junior forward Tolu Smith celebrated a return to the court after battling a fractured toe injury for 4 months with 18 points and 6 rebounds as Mississippi State downed Arkansas 81-68 at Humphrey Coliseum.

Stanley Umude had 19 points and Devonte "Devo" Davis 15 to lead the Razorbacks (10-3, 0-1 SEC), who played…