March 1, 2008

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Sonny Weems scored 20 points, and Arkansas held off No. 18 Vanderbilt 78-73 on Saturday after the Commodores called a timeout they didn't have in the final seconds.

Vanderbilt had pulled within 74-73 on Jermaine Beal's two free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining. Forward Ross Neltner then called a timeout, but the Commodores had none remaining and were assessed a technical foul. Weems made two free throws, then added two more on the ensuing possession.

The Commodores (24-5, 9-5 Southeastern Conference) had won seven straight, including Tuesday night's win over No. 1 Tennessee.

Shan Foster scored 22 points to become Vandy's career scoring leader. Foster made six 3-pointers, including two tough ones down the stretch, but he never had a chance to tie it in the final seconds.

Arkansas (19-9, 8-6) took a 74-71 lead on two free throws by Weems with 10.8 seconds remaining. Gary Ervin then fouled Beal before Vandy had a chance to attempt a 3-pointer.

Arkansas had lost four of five and desperately needed a big win to boost its NCAA tournament resume. The Razorbacks led by 12 points early, but the Commodores scored the last eight points of the first half to trail 40-36.

Foster made two 3s early in the second half to give Vandy a 48-47 lead, and it was close the rest of the way.

Arkansas' Patrick Beverley, who had been in a horrendous shooting slump, scored 17 points and went 5-of-7 from 3-point range.

A.J. Ogilvy scored 20 points for the Commodores.

The Razorbacks led 70-68 after Ervin made a free throw with 1:27 remaining. Arkansas was then on defense for a full minute as Vandy missed several attempts to tie it. Ervin finally came away with the ball for Arkansas and was fouled with 25 seconds remaining.

Ervin made both free throws to make it 72-68, but Foster's final 3-pointer of the game set up the wild finish.