Heath finds solace in SEC standings

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - If Arkansas is discouraged about its loss at South Carolina, the Razorbacks need only look at the Southeastern Conference standings for comfort.<br> <br> Arkansas is in last place in the SEC West but just one game out of first.<br> <br> ``We&#39;re just a game out. It&#39;s not time to panic,&#39;&#39; Razorbacks coach Stan Heath said Thursday.<br> <br> Arkansas lost to South Carolina 66-60 Wednesday night, the Gamecocks&#39; first conference win. The Razorbacks dropped to 2-4 in SEC play, but only one team in the West is even at .500 within the league. Auburn is 3-3.<br> <br> Arkansas won a tournament in Florida early in the season, but the Razorbacks have not won a true road game all season. The loss to South Carolina continued that trend, and Arkansas plays at No. 12 Alabama on Saturday.<br> <br> ``As disappointed as we are, we&#39;re still in the race. There is a lot of basketball left to play,&#39;&#39; Heath said.<br> <br> Arkansas&#39; starting backcourt of Gary Ervin and Patrick Beverley shot a combined 3-of-15 against South Carolina. Swingman Sonny Weems scored 11 points but had five turnovers.<br> <br> The Razorbacks turned the ball over 17 times.<br> <br> ``Our play in the guard position has not been at the level it needs to be on the road,&#39;&#39; Heath said.<br> <br> Arkansas beat Alabama 88-61 earlier this month. Like the Razorbacks, the Crimson Tide is 0-3 on the road in SEC games.<br> <br> In fact, the six SEC West teams are a combined 0-16 on the road in conference play.<br> <br> ``I expect teams to be very strong at home,&#39;&#39; Heath said. ``That goes back to how balanced the West is. That shows there is a home-court advantage.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Arkansas will try to negate that advantage this weekend at Alabama. The Razorbacks had lost three straight before beating LSU 72-52 at home Saturday. Heath hopes they can bounce back just as well from this latest loss.<br> <br> ``We knew we let one get away from us (at South Carolina),&#39;&#39; Heath said. ``Some guys are kicking themselves. I expect us to come back like we did when we got ready for LSU.&#39;&#39;

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