Arkansas Whitley Rogers Delivers First Clutch Moment as Razorback Against Kansas City

Rogers hits late three

With Arkansas ahead 82-77 and under two minutes left, Rogers found space on the right wing and made a three-pointer. The basket helped the Razorbacks hold off Kansas City in their 89-81 victory.

Head coach Kelsi Musick said she trusted Rogers because she had seen her make similar shots in high school and summer basketball. Rogers described the attempt simply: “It was an open shot and I shot and it went in,” she said.

Free throws help seal win

After Micaela Carter cut Arkansas’ lead to six with a jumper, Rogers was fouled and went to the line. She made both shots, extending the lead to 87-79.

Arkansas made 17 of 29 free throws, or 58.3 percent, and had been below 50 percent earlier in the game. Musick said the team needed to make more of its chances, noting that missed free throws can keep a game close.

Freshman contributes across court

Rogers finished with 17 points on 5-for-11 shooting, along with three rebounds, four assists, one block and two steals. She was perfect on four free-throw attempts. Forward D’Asia Thomas-Harris said Rogers was ready when called upon. The freshman, who was the top-ranked player in Arkansas coming out of Little Rock Christian, showed her ability in a Razorback uniform.