Red rides hot shooting to take Red-White game at Barnhill Arena

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Despite being down 11-2 to start the game, Red shot 68.5% from the field for the game and out-scored White 47-28 in the second half to win 88-70 in the annual Red-White Showcase, played before 5,478 at Barnhill Arena.

Just as an aside, Arkansas coach Eric Musselman said later the crowd (“was probably around 6,000) was loud. It was a nearly full old arena that enjoyed the show. There was a lot of scoring and, if nothing else, we saw some hot shooting from newcomers and at least one returning player.

El Ellis and Joseph Pinion led the Red team. Ellis had 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting, six assists and one turnover while Pinion pumped in 20 points, making 7-of-8 shots including 3-of-4 from deep. Also, Chandler Lawson contributed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Overall, six players from Red scored in double figures.

The White squad was paced by Jeremiah Davenport’s 19 points, making 5-of-8 from 3-point range. However, all 19 came in the first half. Baye Fall and Makhi Mitchel each added 13 points.

Davenport started the game with a pair of 3-pointers as the White raced out to an 11-2 lead. After an Ellis basket made the score 11-4, the two accounted for all 15 points to start the game. White shot 61.5% in the first quarter and led 23-15.

Despite shooting 72.7% in the second quarter, White was out-scored 26-18 in the frame and the game was tied 41-41 at the break.

Red made 10-of-its-12 shots in the third quarter and scored 20 of its 21 points in the paint.

Davonte Davis helped put the game away with s strong fourth quarter. He scored 13 points for the game – 11 in the fourth quarter – making 4-of-5 shots (2-of-3 from 3-point).

Up next, Arkansas will host UT-Tyler, Texas, on Friday, Oct. 20, for the first of two exhibitions at Bud Walton Arena. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.

Information from Arkansas Sports Communications is included in this story.