NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Arkansas wrapped up a strong week at the Music City Classic with a 73-63 win over Southern Illinois on Wednesday.
The Razorbacks closed the two-game event with a perfect record and improved to 7-1 on the season.
Arkansas fell behind early but took control in the second half. The Razorbacks trailed by 12 points in the first half before steady scoring and timely defense helped turn the game around in Nashville.
Southern Illinois opened the game with energy. The Salukis scored first and pushed ahead 5-0. A pair of threes helped them build an 11-6 lead at the first media timeout.
Arkansas struggled from the field early and missed its first three shots before freshman Emily Robinson connected from deep.
A three from Wyvette Mayberry cut the deficit to one, but foul trouble limited her minutes. Southern Illinois responded with a 12-5 run to close the first quarter ahead 19-11.
Arkansas began to settle in during the second quarter. The Salukis scored quickly to go up 23-11, but freshman Harmonie Ware added five straight points to help the Razorbacks get back within single digits. With Arkansas down 25-18, the momentum shifted.
Taleyah Jones hit back-to-back threes, cutting the lead to one. She added another basket as part of an 11-0 Arkansas run. The Razorbacks tied the game at 31-31 before halftime, as freshman forward Bonnie Deas grabbed eight rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.
Arkansas takes control in third quarter
Arkansas grabbed its first lead of the game in the third quarter when Ashlynn Chlarson scored her first points. That basket started a strong stretch for the Razorbacks.
They built a 40-32 advantage behind a 7-0 run. Deas knocked down four free throws, and Mayberry added a three during the surge. Arkansas also tightened its defense and limited Southern Illinois’ second-chance chances.
After a brief scoring slump, Robinson hit her second three of the game to extend the lead to 51-41. The Salukis continued to struggle with turnovers, giving the ball away for the 10th time late in the quarter. Jones made two free throws with 19 seconds left, and Arkansas led 55-43 heading into the fourth.
Strong final quarter secures the sweep
Arkansas stayed in control in the fourth quarter. Jenna Lawrence scored first for the Razorbacks before the team put together a 9-0 run to push the lead to 64-47. That margin held until the final minutes.
Southern Illinois made one last push and cut the lead to seven with 1:47 remaining. Arkansas closed out the game at the line, making nine free throws in the closing stretch to secure the win.
Jones delivered another standout performance with 23 points, marking her fourth game of at least 20 points this season. Arkansas committed only five turnovers through three quarters, though that number rose to eight in the fourth. Even with the late miscues, the Razorbacks maintained control.
The win over Southern Illinois placed Arkansas among the two teams in the eight-team field to finish 2-0 at the Music City Classic.
Razorbacks return home next
Arkansas now turns its attention to a home matchup against Harvard on Sunday. The game is scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. CT start at Bud Walton Arena.
The Razorbacks enter that contest with confidence after handling two different tests in Nashville and finding ways to adjust under pressure. The early deficit on Wednesday offered a lesson, and Arkansas responded with steady play across the final three quarters.
Key takeaways
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Arkansas went 2-0 at the Music City Classic after beating Southern Illinois 73-63.
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Taleyah Jones led the Razorbacks with 23 points, including key baskets during major scoring runs.
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Arkansas improved to 7-1 and returns home Sunday to face Harvard at Bud Walton Arena.
