Hogs start slow before cruising to big win

FAYETTEVILLE — Isaiah Joe scored a game-high 18 points, making 5-of-8 from 3-point range, while Reggie Chaney recorded a double-double to lead Arkansas to a 96-47 exhibition victory over Tusculum on Friday night at Bud Walton Arena.

Despite the large margin of victory, Arkansas got off to a slow start in the first half. Tusculum jumped out to an 8-0 lead to start the game and Arkansas did not score until the 15:51 mark.

However, Gabe Osabuohien came off the bench to spark an 7-0 run that ballooned into an 18-4 run.

Arkansas’ Gabe Osabuohien drives into the lane against Tusculum’s Austin Hall during Friday night’s game at Bud Walton Arena. PHOTO BY ANDY HODGES | HITTHATLINE.COM

Tusculum was able to keep close and only trailed by six at the break as Arkansas only had five assists with 13 turnovers while shooting just 18.2 percent from 3-point range and making just 8-of-20 free throws.

The second half saw the Fastest 40 kick in as the Razorbacks opened with a 14-0 start as part of a 23-4 run to put the game out of the reach. In the period, Arkansas only committed seven turnovers, dished out 18 assists and shot 47.8 percent (11-of-23) from long-range.

The Razorback defense only allowed 23 second-half point while holding the Pioneers to just seven assists while forcing 29 turnovers for the game.

All told, five Razorbacks scored in double figures including Joe (18), Daniel Gafford (13), Jalen Harris (13), Keyshawn Embery-Simpson (13) and Chaney (13). Chaney added 10 rebounds while Osabuohien had eight and Gafford nine.

Arkansas’ Reggie Chaney guards a pass as the defensive pressure gets turned up on Tusculum on Friday night. PHOTO BY ANDY HODGES | HITTHATLINE.COM

Arkansas will play the second of its two exhibition games next Friday (Nov. 2) versus Southwest Baptist. Tip-off at Bud Walton Arena is set for 7 pm.

First Half Notes – Arkansas 30, Tusculum 24:
• Arkansas controlled the tip but neither team scored until 17:33, a 3-pointer by Tusculum’s Austin Hall.
• The Pioneers went on an 8-0 run to start the game.
• Arkansas’s first point was a free throw by Adrio Bailey at the 15:51 mark.
• Gabe Osabuohien entered the game and provided a spark for the Razorbacks as Arkansas would immediately go on a 7-0 run. The Razorbacks would eventually make that an 18-4 run with 9:17 left to play.
• Most of Arkansas’ offense came on strong defense, namely its full-court press.
• The highlight of the run was a defensive stop that led to long pass to Daniel Gafford, who tipped the ball to Mason Jones for a layup. The Razorbacks immediately forced another turnover as Osabuohien stole a pass and would get fouled before making two free throws.

The Razorback’s Jalen Harris directs the defense during the first half against Tusculum on Friday night. PHOTO BY ANDY HODGES | HITTHATLINE.COM

Second Half Notes – Arkansas out-scored Tusculum 66-23:
• Jalen Harris started second half with a 3-pointer and Isaiah Joe followed with a 4-point play, hitting a trey and free throw. A second 3-pointer from Harris and a dunk by Reggie Cheney capped a 14-0 run to start the period at the 15:57 mark.
• Overall, Arkansas opened a 23-point lead thanks to a 23-4 run to start the second half.
• Arkansas held Tusculum to just 23 second-half points while the Razorbacks shot 52.5 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes.
• In the second half, Reggie Chaney started and scored 10 points. Daniel Gafford, who battled foul trouble, entered the game at the 10:24 mark of the second half with just two points and one rebound. However, he just missed a double-double as he finished with 13 points and nine boards.

Notes:
• Arkansas is 15-0 in exhibition games under head coach Mike Anderson.
• Arkansas has scored 88-plus points in 10 of those 15 wins with an average margin of victory of 31.1 points.
• Arkansas has won 29 consecutive exhibition game dating back to 2004-05 season.