Jones, Gafford pace Razorbacks to 73-70 win over Texas State

PHOTOS BY ANDY HODGES | HITTHATLINE.COM

FAYETTEVILLE — Mason Jones tied his career-high with 21 points while Daniel Gafford recorded his fifth double-double, getting 19 points and 10 rebounds, to lead Arkansas(8-3) to a 73-70 victory over Texas State (10-2) Saturday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena.

It marked the second straight game Jones has led the team in both scoring and assists, finishing with four helpers. Jones additionally had a career-high three steals and scored 10 of his 21 points at the free throw line.

Gabe Osabuohien also had four assists, which is a career high. Isaiah Joe, who was 7-of-8 at the free throw line, and Jalen Harris each scored 10 points.

The Bobcats opened the game by taking a 19-3 lead. The Razorbacks held Texas State scoreless for the next 5:20 during on a 17-0 run.

Gafford had a dunk and free throw to tie the game, 19-19, and Osabuohien gave Arkansas its first lead, 20-19, with a free throw at the 7:13 mark. Arkansas did not trail the remainder of the game, including a 34-27 lead at halftime.

Texas State would tie the game, 38-38, on a Nijal Pearson 3-pointer with 14:0 left in the game. However, Gafford answered with a dunk to regain the lead and hold on the rest of the way.

The Bobcats got to within two, 53-51, before Jones converted an old-fashion 3-point play to go up five with 5:13 left in the game. Including that free throw, Arkansas made 15-of-19 at the free throw line.

Arkansas will close the 2018 calendar year by hosting Austin Peay on Dec. 28 (Fri.) in Bud Walton Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 pm.

FIRST HALF: Arkansas 34 – Texas State 27

• Texas State got off to a quick start, but the Razorbacks held the Bobcats scoreless for 4:49. However, Arkansas had its troubles on the offensive end as well and the score stayed at 8-6 for over two minutes. The Bobcats drought ended with two free throws by Alonzo Sule with 13:05 left, which sparked an 11-0 run and 19-6 Texas State lead.

• The Razorback defense stepped up again, holding the Bobcats scoreless for 5:20 while Arkansas went on a 17-0 run. Gabe Osabuohien played a key role on both ends, including his second career 3-pointer. Arkansas tied the game, 19-19 on a Daniel Gafford dunk and free throw with 7:43 left. Osabuohien gave Arkansas its first lead, 20-19, on a free throw. Mason Jones capped the run with a 3-pointer.

• Overall, Arkansas went on a 21-2 run while holding the Bobcats scoreless for a combined 10:09 over two spans.

• Mason Jones and Daniel Gafford led the Razorbacks with 11 points each. Jones made 4-of-5 from the field. Gafford added six rebounds.

• Gabe Osabuohien finished the half with four points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a charge taken.

SECOND HALF: Arkansas was 20-of-26 at the free throw line in the second half to secure the win.

• Texas State tied the game, 38-38, on a 3-pointer. Daniel Gafford answered with a dunk and the Razorbacks never relinquished the lead.

• Up two, 53-51, Arkansas’ Mason Jones converted an old-fashion 3-point play to go up five with 5:13 left in the game. Including that free throw, Arkansas made 15-of-19 at the free throw line.

 GAME NOTES:

• Arkansas’ starters were Isaiah Joe (G) – Jalen Harris (G) – Mason Jones (G) – Reggie Chaney (F) – Daniel Gafford (F). Chaney earned his first career start and this was the first time Arkansas used a different starting lineup this season.

• Arkansas controlled the tip, but Texas State’s Jaylen Harris scored the first points at 19:33. Jalen Harris scored the points for the Razorbacks, a floater on the right side at the 18:56 mark.

• This was the fourth meeting between Arkansas and Texas State. The Razorbacks won the previous three meetings.

• Arkansas snapped a two-game home losing streak with the win Saturday. Arkansas has not lost three straight at home since dropping the final three home games of the 2011-12 season versus Florida (Feb. 18), Alabama (Feb. 23) and Ole Miss (Feb. 28).

• Arkansas has won 11 straight in its final game before Christmas and is 15-4 in such games since 2000.

• Daniel Gafford recorded his fifth double-double of the season and eighth of his career.

• Isaiah Joe only made one field goal – a key 3-pointer late – but was 7-of-8 at the free throw line down the stretch to score 10 points.

• Isaiah Joe (10 points) and Daniel Gafford (19 points) are the only Razorbacks to score in double figures in all 11 games this season.