Arkansas forward Zvonimir Ivišić delivered a career-best performance, scoring 25 points to lead the Razorbacks to a crucial victory over LSU. The dominant display propelled Arkansas to an 82-75 win in a hard-fought SEC battle at Bud Walton Arena.
From the opening tip, Ivišić set the tone for the Razorbacks, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and a rim protector. The 7-foot-2 Croatian big man connected on an impressive mix of inside finishes, mid-range jumpers, and three-pointers, keeping LSU’s defense scrambling throughout the game. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the paint made him an unstoppable force for the Tigers to handle.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. LSU guard Jordan Wright and forward Jalen Reed kept the Tigers competitive, combining for 32 points. However, Ivišić’s efficiency and Arkansas’ defensive tenacity helped the Razorbacks take a slim 39-35 lead into the halftime break.
Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman praised Ivišić’s performance, emphasizing his impact on both ends of the floor. “Z is just scratching the surface of what he can do,” Musselman said postgame. “He made big shots, protected the rim, and played with confidence. We needed that kind of effort to win this game.”
Coming out of halftime, LSU made an early push, fueled by aggressive drives from Tyrell Ward and tough interior play from Will Baker. The Tigers briefly took a 48-46 lead, but Ivišić responded with back-to-back buckets, including a deep three-pointer that reignited the home crowd. His confidence was evident as he continued to score in key moments, preventing LSU from gaining momentum.
In addition to Ivišić’s standout performance, Arkansas guard Davonte Davis contributed 14 points and five assists, while Khalif Battle added 12 points off the bench. The Razorbacks’ balanced scoring and high-energy defense proved crucial in maintaining their lead down the stretch.
With just under three minutes remaining, LSU cut the deficit to 74-71 after a fast-break layup from Wright. However, Ivišić responded once again, sinking a contested jumper and blocking a potential game-tying shot on the other end. A pair of free throws from Davis sealed the win for Arkansas, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Ivišić’s 25-point outing marked his best performance since joining the Razorbacks, cementing his role as a key contributor moving forward. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways gives Arkansas an added dimension as they continue their push in the SEC standings.
With this win, the Razorbacks improve to 16-9 overall and 7-5 in conference play, bolstering their NCAA Tournament hopes. Meanwhile, LSU drops to 14-11 on the season, putting them in a tougher position as they try to secure a postseason bid.
Arkansas will now turn its attention to a pivotal road matchup against Kentucky, while LSU looks to bounce back against Alabama. If Ivišić can maintain this level of play, the Razorbacks could be a dangerous team down the stretch.
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