Arkansas

Arkansas Finishes 2023 With 106-90 Win Over UNCW

Published

11 months ago

December 30, 2023

Arkansas Finishes 2023 With 106-90 Win Over UNCW

FAYETTEVILLE – Behind a career-high 32 points from Keyon Menifield Jr., in just his third game as a Razorback, Arkansas broke the 100-point barrier for the first time since March 2021 and the fourth time in the Eric Musselman era as the Razorbacks defeated UNC Wilmington 106-90 Saturday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena.

Menifield., whose previous best was 27 points at Washington last season versus Oregon, was 8-of-14 from the field, including three 3’s, and was 13-of-17 at the free throw line. He added five assists and was +17 – one of two Hogs with as double-digit plus/minus.

While it was newcomer Menifield who had his career high, a pair of returning Razorbacks – Davonte Davis and Jalen Graham – also played key roles in the win.

Davis, who was just a combined 1-of-4 from 3-point range over the last six games, was 3-of-3 from deep in the first half and finished with a Devo-like 14 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and just one turnover while leading the team with a +21. Graham scored a season-high 16 (7-of-11 FG) with six rebounds.

Arkansas finished shooting 52.4% from the field as the Hogs have now shot at least 50% in 7-of-13 games this season. There were a combined 77 free throws attempted in the game with Arkansas making 33-of-43 and UNCW making 24-of-34.

Tramon Mark (18 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 7-of-8 from the line) and Trevon Brazile (12 points) contributed to the 100-point effort. Brazile also led the team with eight rebounds.

UNCW was led by Trazarien White and Shykeim Phillips, each scoring 25 points.

There were eight ties and eight lead changes in the first half but Arkansas led for 10:26. Menifield led the Hogs with 17 first-half points and Davis added 11, going 3-of-3 from 3-point range.

Arkansas will return to action next Saturday (Jan. 6, 2024) when the Razorbacks open SEC play versus Auburn. Tipoff is set for 1 pm (CT) at Bud Walton Arena and the game will be televised on ESPN2.

NOTES

Arkansas starters were Keyon Menifield Jr., Davonte Davis, Tramon Mark, Trevon Brazile and Chandler Lawson.
Arkansas controlled the tip to start the game.
Razorback Trevon Brazile scored the first points of the game, a put-back at 19:32.
For the first time in the Musselman era, Arkansas’ first subs were five players – Khalif Battle, Jalen Graham, Joseph Pinion, Denijay Harris and El Ellis.
This was the first meeting between Arkansas and UNCW.
Keyon Menifield Jr., got his first start (in his third game) as a Razorback. It was his sixth career game with at least 20 points, five coming last season at Washington.
This was the 18th time a Razorback has scored at least 30 points in a game (and the second time this season). Overall, it is the 139th time a Razorback has scored at least 30 points and Menifield is the 53rd Razorback to accomplish the feat,
This was the fourth time Arkansas has scored at least 100 points in a game in the Eric Musselman era and the first time since beating South Carolina, 101-73, in Columbia on Mar. 2, 2021. The 106 points are the second-most by Arkansas in the Musselman era with the most being a 142-62 win over Mississippi Valley State in the 2020-21 season opener.
Menifield ties Ted Thompson for the quickest to 30 points in a Razorback uniform. Thompson scored 33 points in his third game (vs. Western Kentucky 12/3/1973).
Arkansas improves to 32-13 all-time in games played on Dec. 30 and 2-0 under Coach Musselman.
UNCW (1st) and Arkansas (7th) entered the game among the NCAA top 10 in bench points. UNCW finished with 47 (thanks to 25 from White) and Arkansas had 27 (thanks to 16 from Graham).
The 33 free throws made and 43 attempts are the second-most by Arkansas in the Musselman era. Arkansas entered the game 8th in the NCAA in free throw attempts (26.7) and 13th in makes (19.1)
Arkansas only committed eight turnovers including just two in the second half. This was the second game Arkansas committed single-digit turnovers as Arkansas only committed four in the win over Old Dominion.
Arkansas scored 58 second-half points, the most by the Hogs in the period this season.

For more information on Arkansas Men’s Basketball, follow @RazorbackMBB on Twitter.

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Arkansas

Arkansas football vs Louisiana Tech: Scouting report, prediction for Week 13 game

Published

7 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Arkansas football vs Louisiana Tech: Scouting report, prediction for Week 13 game

After three weeks standing on the verge of bowl eligibility, Arkansas football has its best opportunity to secure a spot in college football’s postseason this weekend against Louisiana Tech.

The Razorbacks (5-5) will host the Bulldogs (4-6) on Saturday (3 p.m., SECN+). Twenty players are projected to take part in Senior Day festivities as Arkansas closes out its home schedule in 2024.

The Hogs are coming off back-to-back losses inside Reynolds Razorback Stadium, most recently falling to Texas 20-10. Arkansas’ offense couldn’t muster enough production across the first two quarters as a comeback bid fell short against the Longhorns.

Louisiana Tech, meanwhile, is coming off its biggest win of the season. The Bulldogs beat conference rival Western Kentucky 12-7, knocking the Hilltoppers out of first place in Conference USA.

Here are four things to watch and a score prediction for Saturday’s contest between Arkansas and Louisiana Tech.

Arkansas football must get off to a fast start

The best way to prevent an upset is to eliminate any hope. Arkansas didn’t do that against UAB in September, and the Razorbacks came out of the gates slow last year in this same spot against FIU. They eventually won both games, but the final scores were closer than desired.

“We’re trying to live up to the Arkansas standard, and that results in executing on the field. And if we don’t live up to that, then we’re going to see a similar slow start,” Arkansas offensive lineman Josh Braun said. “So that’s what we’re focused on this week, just starting fast and playing our brand of football.”

Take care of the football

This is arguably the biggest key for Arkansas every weekend. The Razorbacks are 0-5 when they lose the turnover battle this season, and two costly giveaways spoiled any chance at an upset last week against Texas.

Fortunately for Arkansas, Louisiana Tech ranks 111th in the country in turnover margin. The Bulldogs are averaging nearly two turnovers a game, so this might be an opportune matchup for the Hogs’ defense.

Control the running game on both sides

The Bulldogs have struggled on the ground all season, and they’ve won both games in which they rushed for more than 150 yards. By contrast, they are 2-6 when held under that mark.

Arkansas’ running defense has been strong throughout the year. Only two opponents have averaged more than 4 yards per carry, and the Razorbacks should be able to keep Louisiana Tech running backs Omiri Wiggins and Amani Givens in check.

On the flip side, Arkansas needs to commit to running the football early and stay vigilant with Ja’Quinden Jackson. Relying on the pass too heavily proved a mistake in the first half against Texas, and look for Bobby Petrino to adjust.

All eyes on Tru Edwards

Edwards, a senior wide receiver, is by far Louisiana Tech’s most dangerous weapon. He has four games this season with more than 100 yards receiving and leads the team with six touchdowns.

He’s a big-play threat who will require the full focus of the Arkansas defense. The Razorbacks’ secondary will try to maintain its momentum after holding Quinn Ewers and Isaiah Bond in check last week.

Prediction

Louisiana Tech is better than its record indicates, but there is still a gulf in talent between the two rosters. If Arkansas handles its own business and avoids sloppy turnovers, it should have no problem securing bowl eligibility Saturday. An upset loss would be unacceptable. Arkansas 38, Louisiana Tech 13.

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Arkansas

Calipari Faces at Arkansas He Must Learn He Will Never Defeat

Published

15 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Calipari Faces at Arkansas He Must Learn He Will Never Defeat

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A lot has been made of the poor a attendance at Arkansas Razorbacks basketball games this season.

However, while it’s been somewhat embarrassing at times, it’s not entirely on Razorbacks fans. It’s not anyone’s fault technically. It’s more of a case of a schedule having to be made hastily before there was an opportunity to get to know the nuances of The Natural State.

One thing that is hard for the people of Arkansas to realize without moving away for some extended period of time is how unique the especially close relationship with the local church and the commitment this state’s citizens have to it actually is.

Scheduling the rest of life around church as a non-negotiable is expected. Playing organized sports on Sundays is still still frowned upon in much of the state, as are hunting and fishing in some cases.

Church comes first, whether it be Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night or revival week. Youth league coaches can find themselves pariahs for scheduling practices on Wednesday nights for this very reason.

That’s why excessively low attendance for Wednesday night games shouldn’t be as shocking to those who live here as opposed to people looking from the outside in.

See, one of the biggest adjustments to living outside of Arkansas is the extreme lack of Wednesday night church services. Same goes for revivals.

They’re just not a thing throughout much of the rest of the country, even in states that claim to really be into God. It’s even hard to find legitimate Sunday night services.

At best, there will be a youth program parents use as an excuse for a quick date night. So, that’s why it’s not surprising a coaching staff that didn’t grow up here might think nothing of lining up games on Wednesday nights expecting to get decent weeknight crowds.

However, what happens instead is much smaller crowds that make Hogs fans look disinterested at best. That’s just not likely the case.

They’re interested. Just not until the devotional has been read, the sermon has been preached and the invitation has been sung.

As soon as they get in the parking lot, the first thing they do is turn on the radio and try to catch up with what they have missed. It might seem strange to those from other states, but the priorities are right.

It may look bad on TV, but God, family and then the Razorbacks is the correct order

It’s a minor mistake in scheduling that is easily forgiven and eventually rectified. After all, the seats are still sold out and there are more important things involved in life.

• Indications are Texas may have played with its food against Arkansas

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• Does Petrino offense still work for Razorbacks? | 4th and 5

• Razorbacks still looking forward to potential bowl, sending seniors off right

• Calipari remains confident with seven Hogs’ rotation players

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Arkansas

Arkansas (AAA) high school football playoffs: 2024 brackets, Round 2 matchups, game times

Published

23 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Press Room

Arkansas (AAA) high school football playoffs: 2024 brackets, Round 2 matchups, game times

The Arkansas high school football playoffs are on to Round 2, where several teams will start their postseason quest for a state championship after earning Round 1 byes.

The postseason in Class 2A through 7A plus the 8-man division started last week.

Bryant, Fayetteville, Bentonville and Conway are the 7A teams that will kick off their playoff run in Round 2 this week.

>>Arkansas high school football playoff brackets

Stick with High School on SI for all of the matchups, game times and scores throughout the 2024 Arkansas (AAA) football playoffs.

Here are the Arkansas high school football playoff brackets, with matchups and game times, plus second-round matchups:

Second-round matchups

Bryant vs. Cabot

7 p.m. Friday

Pulaski Academy vs. Fayetteville

7 p.m. Friday

Bentonville vs. Bentonville West

7 p.m. Friday

Rogers vs. Conway

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 7A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

El Dorado vs. Greenwood

7 p.m. Friday

Mountain Home vs. Catholic

7 p.m. Friday

Lake Hamilton vs. Benton

7 p.m. Friday

Shiloh Christian vs. Van Buren

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 6A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Valley View vs. Morrilton

7 p.m. Friday

Parkview vs. Maumelle

7 p.m. Friday

Robinson vs. Lakeside

7 p.m. Friday

Farmington vs. Camden Fairview

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 5A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Dardanelle vs. Prairie Grove

7 p.m. Friday

Arkadelphia vs. Gentry

7 p.m. Friday

Heber Springs vs. Southside

7 p.m. Friday

Monticello vs. Hamburg

7 p.m. Friday

Clinton vs. Mills University

7 p.m. Friday

Warren vs. Pocahontas

7 p.m. Friday

Elkins vs. Mena

7 p.m. Friday

Malvern vs. Highland

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 4A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Bismarck vs. Atkins

7 p.m. Friday

Osceola vs. Charleston

7 p.m. Friday

Fordyce vs. Jessieville

7 p.m. Friday

Booneville vs. Mayflower

7 p.m. Friday

Glen Rose vs. Dumas

7 p.m. Friday

Mansfield vs. Newport

7 p.m. Friday

Salem vs. Prescott

7 p.m. Friday

Rivercrest vs. Rison

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 3A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Murfreesboro vs. Mount Ida

7 p.m. Friday

East Poinsett County vs. Bigelow

7 p.m. Friday

Conway Christian vs. Des Arc

7 p.m. Friday

Carlisle vs. Junction City

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 2A high school football bracket

2024 AAA 8-man high school football bracket

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— Mike Swanson | swanson@scorebooklive | @sblivesports

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