Turnovers Cost Razorbacks in 81-72 Loss to Arkansas State

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas closed non-conference play Sunday with an 81-72 loss to Arkansas State at Bud Walton Arena in a game Kelsi Musick probably won’t be forgetting for awhile.

The Razorbacks committed 29 turnovers, leading directly to 33 points for Arkansas State. That margin proved too much to overcome, even with multiple scoring runs and five Arkansas players finishing in double figures.

Arkansas entered the game on a four-game winning streak and unbeaten at home against the Red Wolves. By the final horn, both streaks were gone. Along with that was the Hogs suffering a loss to ASU in Bud Walton for the first time in history. That’s not good, either.

The opening quarter set the tone. Arkansas struggled to establish offensive flow and turned the ball over eight times in the first 10 minutes. Arkansas State used those mistakes to build early momentum and led 21-16 after one quarter.

The Razorbacks briefly settled in during the second quarter, trimming the deficit with improved shot selection and better spacing. But each push was short-lived. Arkansas State answered with quick runs and carried a 43-33 lead into halftime.

Ball security remained an issue. Two 10-second violations and multiple live-ball turnovers prevented Arkansas from fully closing the gap before the break.

Arkansas showed urgency coming out of halftime. An early third-quarter run cut into the lead and shifted energy inside the arena. The Hogs shot efficiently during that stretch, but Arkansas State responded with timely perimeter shooting to stop the momentum.

By the end of the third quarter, Arkansas had found a rhythm offensively but still trailed by a manageable margin. The problem was sustaining stops without giving the ball back.

That issue resurfaced in the fourth quarter. Arkansas State pushed the lead to as many as 19 points midway through the period, continuing to capitalize on turnovers and second-chance opportunities.

Arkansas made one final push late, closing the gap with a 12-2 run over the final minutes. The Razorbacks forced Arkansas State to manage the clock but never got the defensive stop needed to flip the game.

Taleyah Jones led Arkansas with 18 points, marking the eighth time this season she has led the team in scoring. Harmonie Ware added 15 points, while Jenna Lawrence finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. Bonnie Deas and Wyvette Mayberry also reached double figures.

Arkansas State was led by Mia Tarver, who scored 18 points and helped anchor a balanced effort. The Red Wolves went 11 deep in their rotation and maintained defensive pressure from start to finish.

The loss marked the first time Arkansas State defeated Arkansas in Fayetteville, snapping a nine-game losing streak in the series. It also closed the Razorbacks’ non-conference schedule at 11-4.

Arkansas now turns its focus to Southeastern Conference play, where turnovers and defensive lapses are less forgiving. The Hogs open league action Wednesday against Vanderbilt.

Key takeaways

• Arkansas committed 29 turnovers, which led directly to 33 Arkansas State points.
• Taleyah Jones led the Razorbacks with 18 points, and five players scored in double figures.
• The loss ended Arkansas’ non-conference schedule and marked Arkansas State’s first win in Fayetteville.