Neighbors expecting tough test against UT-Arlington Wednesday

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas faces a tough road challenge in just the second game of the season taking on UT-Arlington on Wednesday.

Arkansas (1-0) opened the season with a 98-53 win over Northwestern State on Friday and currently leads the Southeastern Conference in scoring and field goal percentage. UTA (1-0) defeated Jackson State, 99-63, in their opener.

About the Series

The Razorbacks have a 7-0 record against the Lady Mavs with a 2-0 mark in Arlington. The last meeting on the Lady Mavs home court was a 57-54 win by Arkansas in 2010 and the Razorbacks picked up a 91-57 victory in Bud Walton Arena last season.

About Arkansas

We are only one game into the season, but a few things are evident already.

Arkansas wants to play fast and get a lot of shots up, especially from distance. The Razorbacks scored 98 points, took 59 shots and tied an Elementary Day record with 11 3-point field goals in the first game.

Transfer Alexis Tolefree paced the Razorbacks leading a group of seven players in double figures with a game-high 19 points.

Only three of Arkansas’ 13 players logged more than 20 minutes as head coach Mike Neighbors and his staff kept the legs fresh.

Something else to watch for is points in the paint. No, Arkansas is not a big team, but the Razorbacks managed 38 points in the paint in the opener.

This team is focused on layups as they beat opponents down the court as well as second-chance looks with good rebounding.

Up Next

Arkansas returns home hosting No. 22 Arizona State Sunday at 7 p.m. The game follows the Razorback men’s basketball game against Indiana that is part of the Hardwood Showcase. The Razorback men tip at 2:30 p.m.