Menifield helps Hogs find offense with big offensive win

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Behind a career-high 32 points from Keyon Menifield, playing just his third game, 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.

Davonte Davis (Andy Hodges / HitThatLine.com)

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 p.m. at Bud Walton Arena and the game will be televised on ESPN2.

Hogs Game 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 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.

Eric Musselman (Andy Hodges / HitThatLine.com)

• 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.

Information from Arkansas Communications is included in this story.