Jalen Graham scored 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting as the No. 10 Arkansas Razorbacks routed UNC Asheville on Wednesday night, mauling the Bulldogs 85-51 in Fayetteville, Ark.
In their seventh straight victory, the Razorbacks (11-1) started fast and never let up in their final nonconference game before next Wednesday’s Southeastern Conference opener at LSU.
Using a hot hand and a strong defensive showing in the first half, they built a 20-point halftime advantage, led by as many as 35 in the second and rolled to the easy win.
Ricky Council IV had 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Anthony Black and reserve Joseph Pinion each added 10 points. Kamani Johnson had seven points and seven rebounds.
Even with freshman Nick Smith Jr. (knee management) not dressed out, Arkansas did not need much help.
The squad started with a sizzle and ended its first matchup against UNCA by making 32 of 60 shots (53.3 percent) and 5 of 13 from distance. Arkansas forced 20 turnovers that led to 32 points.
By winning its final match before the holiday break, the Razorbacks avoided the debacle suffered by fellow SEC members No. 15 Mississippi State, Florida, Ole Miss and Texas A&M on Tuesday — all favorites who lost in nonconference games.
Arkansas has won 16 straight games overall and 35 consecutive nonconference contests at Bud Walton Arena.
The Bulldogs (8-5) got just five points from leading scorer Drew Pember, who picked up his fourth foul early in the second half. Sharpshooter Tajion Jones had 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including his 301st career 3-pointer.
The Razorbacks were hot from the outset, knocking down their first seven shots from the field and led 16-7 on a dunk by Makhi Mitchell at 14:26. The lead then grew to 22-9 on a slam by Council.
Arkansas outscored the Big South Conference school 22-15 and led 44-24 at the halftime break.
Paced by 10 points each from Council and Graham, the home side made 17 of 27 field goals (63 percent) and held a 28-10 advantage in points in the paint in the first half. The Arkansas defense held UNCA to 33.3 percent shooting (8 of 24).
–Field Level Media