Arkansas off to hot start in Bahamas Hoopfest, downing Fordham

NASSAU, Bahamas — No. 25 Arkansas got off to a good start in Nassau, beating Fordham, 71-59, in the Hogs’ first game of the Bahamas Hoopfest.

Coach Mike Neighbors’ squad now moves to 2-1 against 2019 NCAA Tournament teams.

Redshirt junior guard Chelsea Dungee was locked in from the jump, going for a game-high 24 points on six of 11 shooting.

Dungee was once again great from the free throw line, going nine of 10, but she was also able to find the range against the Rams, going three of six from beyond the arc.

Dungee has started to find her groove as of late, as this is her third straight game with 20+ points.

That is the longest stretch by a Razorback since she scored 20+ in four straight games last season (1/27–2/3/19).

Turning point

The Hogs led at the half by 11, getting major contributions from Dungee (12 pts), redshirt junior guard Amber Ramirez (12 pts) and freshman guard Makayla Daniels (9 points).

The Hogs broke it open late in the third quarter behind the sharpshooting of Dungee and Ramirez.

The large contingent of Arkansas fans that made the trip to Nassau were brought to their feet, as the duo traded treys.

Dungee knocked in two during the spurt and Ramirez would contribute one of her four on the run that would force a Fordham timeout.

Though the Rams eventually shaved the lead to single digits late in the fourth, the Hogs would hang on to get win No. 6 on the season.

Hog highlights

• Dungee scored 20+ for the third straight game, and for the 24^th time in her Arkansas career. She also pushed her double-figure scoring streak to 24 straight games.

• Junior forward Taylah Thomas was huge down the stretch for the Hogs, as she scored 14 of her 15 total points in the second half, including five late in the fourth.

• Thomas recorded her third-career double-double (15 pts, 13 rebounds) in the win.

• Ramirez and Daniels both reached double-figures yet again for the Hogs, going for 14 and 11, respectively.

• Ramirez also factored in on the glass, pulling down a career-best seven boards.

• A’Tyanna Gaulden continues to see the floor well, as she led the Razorbacks in assists for the second straight game. She had four helpers in the game.

Next time out

The Razorbacks finish off play in paradise tomorrow night, as the Hogs face Wisconsin in the nightcap.

Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.