The Hogs are atop the SEC West standings at 5-3 after four straight wins in a stretch of 10 days. Forston's play sparked this mid-season streak.

"He helps put us in situations where we can win," said head coach John Pelphrey.

This week's SEC Player of the Week averages 20 points at game after returning to the lineup from an unspecified suspension a game before the conference season began.

"He's (Fortson) obviously had an impact since he's come back," said Pelphrey. "He keeps our guys from thinking they have to be perfect."

Fortson's game has shown all-around improvement. He's grabbing five rebounds a game and is dishing out six assists. What stands out the most is Fortson's timing. The sophomore from Montgomery, Ala., scored 10 of Arkansas' 15 points in overtime in a win against his home state Auburn Tigers.

"I always take what the defense gives me," Fortson said about that win. "They got a little lazy toward the end. That allowed me to do things."

Fortson scored 33 of his career-high 35 points in the second half of a comeback win against Mississippi State. He then backed that up with 10 and 27 point performances in road wins against Ole Miss and Georgia.

"I feel like my shot has improved since last season, says Fortson. "I've been staying after practice to shoot."

No one would have guessed the Hogs would ride his hot shooting hand to lead the SEC West at the halway point.

Fortson and the Razorbacks play LSU on Wednesday night at 7 at Bud Walton Arena.