FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas used a balanced scoring effort and a fast pace to post a 115-61 home victory over Jackson State on Friday night.
The Razorbacks, ranked No. 21, improved to 5-1 and reached their highest point total in a game since 2015. Jackson State dropped to 0-5.
The Razorbacks shot 64 percent from the field and held the Tigers to 34 percent. Arkansas also scored 38 points off 20 Jackson State turnovers and finished with 34 fast-break points. Jackson State managed only 4 fast-break points in the game.
Malique Ewin came off the bench and led Arkansas with 21 points in 14 minutes. He made 8 of 9 shots and gave Arkansas a major spark early and late in the night. His efficiency helped the Razorbacks pull away long before halftime.
Karter Knox added 17 points and 10 rebounds in a double-double performance. Freshman guards D.J. Wagner and Billy Richmond III scored 16 and 14 points.
Meleek Thomas added 13, and freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Isaiah Sealy each scored 10. Seven Arkansas players finished in double figures.
Arkansas used a critical stretch late in the first half and early in the second to put the game away. Over the final 4:03 before halftime and the first 2:47 after the break, Arkansas went on a 29-2 run. Knox scored eight points during a 10-0 burst that helped start that run.
The Razorbacks shot 74 percent in the second half and threw down 15 dunks across 39 made field goals. That interior success came from both the starters and the bench.
Ewin leads strong bench effort
Ewin’s performance stood out in a night when Arkansas shared the ball and moved quickly in transition. His 21 points came with only one miss, and the Razorbacks played off his energy on both ends.
His ability to finish around the rim contributed to several of Arkansas’ dunks and helped maintain the pace that Jackson State struggled to match.
The bench also featured Thomas, Acuff, and Sealy. Their scoring ensured that Arkansas never slowed when the starters rested. It also provided the kind of depth the Razorbacks rely on as they continue an early stretch that includes several ranked opponents.
Jackson State faced problems from the start. The Tigers were held to 19 points in the first half and spent much of the game trying to stop runs that came in quick bursts.
Their 20 turnovers made the challenge greater, and Arkansas turned nearly every mistake into a scoring chance.
Razorbacks keep pressure through second half
Arkansas stayed aggressive after halftime and quickly pushed the lead beyond reach.
With the Razorbacks shooting near 74 percent in the second half, Jackson State could not find enough stops to slow the pace. The Tigers continued to struggle from the field and finished with only two players scoring in double figures.
The Razorbacks defended ball screens well, limiting drives and forcing contested attempts. The strong defensive showing matched the offensive firepower and built confidence ahead of an important stretch.
Jersey matchups and rotations allowed Arkansas to get extended time for freshmen and bench players, something coaches often seek early in the season.
With seven players scoring 10 or more, Arkansas showed a rotation capable of handling different roles on both ends.
The Tigers did not find consistent rhythm. Arkansas pushed the ball after misses and turnovers, and the transition scoring added up quickly.
Jackson State’s inability to get back on defense allowed Arkansas to build its largest leads of the young season.
What’s next for both teams
Jackson State will return home Sunday to face Winthrop.
The Tigers will look for their first win and a reset as their schedule turns toward conference play.
Arkansas will travel to Chicago for a nationally watched matchup Thursday against No. 5 Duke on Thanksgiving.
The meeting marks a chance for the Razorbacks to gauge their growth against one of the country’s top early-season teams.
Key takeaways
- Arkansas scored its most points in a game since 2015 with the 115-61 win.
- Malique Ewin led the Razorbacks with 21 points in 14 minutes off the bench.
- Arkansas forced 20 turnovers and scored 38 points from them while shooting 64 percent.
