Arkansas snaps skid with 89-80 win over Alabama

Published 7:31 am Friday, January 30, 2009

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rotnei Clarke scored 26 points, breaking out of a shooting slump to help Arkansas beat Alabama 89-80 Thursday night.

The Razorbacks snapped a four-game losing streak and spoiled the debut of Philip Pearson, the Crimson Tide’s interim coach. Pearson took over for Mark Gottfried, who resigned Monday.

Clarke had made only three 3-pointers in Arkansas’ first four Southeastern Conference games. He made six against Alabama (12-8, 2-4), including four in the second half.

The Razorbacks (13-5, 1-4) led by only three early in the second but pulled away with four quick 3-pointers. Welsh made the first and Clarke made the next three, giving him five for the game and putting Arkansas ahead 57-44.

Clarke’s sixth 3 of the game — from the left corner — made it 64-51.

Jamychal Green scored 24 points for Alabama and Alonzo Gee added 18.