Razorbacks close strong, beat Mississippi State for 8th straight win

Arkansas guard JD Notae (1) drives past Mississippi State guard Cameron Matthews (4) to score during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Fayetteville. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas won its eight consecutive game Saturday night in its final game before a visit from the top-ranked team in college basketball.

The Razorbacks defeated Mississippi State 63-55 at Bud Walton Arena to split the season series with the Bulldogs. Mississippi State won by 13 points in the first meeting between the teams on Dec. 29 in Starkville, Miss.

Arkansas (18-5, 7-3 SEC) will host No. 1 Auburn on Tuesday. The Tigers’ 19-game win streak is the only in the SEC…