FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Freshman guard Meleek Thomas scored a career-high 28 points, and Arkansas cruised to a 103-74 win over James Madison on Monday night at Bud Walton Arena.
Thomas came off the bench and made eight shots, including six from 3-point range, giving the Razorbacks (10-3) steady scoring throughout both halves.
Arkansas led 48-28 at halftime and extended its home winning streak to eight games this season.
Freshman Darius Acuff Jr. added 17 points, scoring 12 in the first half. D.J. Wagner had 14, and Malique Ewin scored 11 for the Hogs, who kept control by forcing turnovers and taking high-percentage shots.
James Madison (7-7) was led by Bradley Douglas with 19 points. Justin McBride scored 13 for the Dukes, who made 12 of 32 from long range but struggled to keep pace.
Arkansas opened with strong defensive pressure and quickly built a double-digit lead. Thomas scored 18 points in the first half, giving the Razorbacks steady rhythm from the perimeter.
James Madison chipped the lead down to 16 with just over 10 minutes left, but the Razorbacks answered with a 15-0 run.
Thomas hit two threes during that stretch, and Arkansas moved ahead by more than 30 before rotating deeper into the bench.
The Hogs forced 14 turnovers and scored 21 points off those mistakes. Arkansas also attacked in transition and shared the ball well, resulting in five players reaching double figures.
James Madison continued to rely on perimeter shooting in hopes of cutting into the gap, but the Dukes could not match Arkansas’ pace or shot-making as the second half developed.
Thomas’ performance stood out for its efficiency and timing.
His scoring helped steady Arkansas when the Dukes briefly showed momentum, and his outside shooting gave the Hogs an edge that lasted until the final horn.
With nonconference games complete, the Razorbacks now turn to their Southeastern Conference opener against No. 19 Tennessee.
Arkansas has won eight straight at home and has shown strong stretches of defense leading into league play.
The Razorbacks’ depth also continues to develop. Several reserves, including Thomas, have shown the ability to contribute meaningful minutes, giving Arkansas flexibility in upcoming SEC matchups.
James Madison will travel to face Arkansas State as it begins Sun Belt Conference play. The Dukes will look to regroup after finishing their nonconference slate at 7-7.
Arkansas ended the night with confidence on both ends, closing out another home win behind its freshman guard.
Thomas’ 28-point performance was the difference, helping the Razorbacks secure a 103-74 victory before stepping into the conference schedule.
Key takeaways
- Meleek Thomas scored a career-high 28 points with six 3-pointers.
- Arkansas forced 14 turnovers and scored 21 points off them.
- The Razorbacks led by 20 at halftime and kept control throughout.
