No. 21 Arkansas had no trouble flexing its offensive firepower Friday night, dismantling Jackson State 115–61 in Bud Walton Arena and recording the program’s highest scoring output since 2015. It marked the Razorbacks’ 13th straight win in the series, and from the opening tip, it was clear this meeting would look like all the rest.
Arkansas (5–1) set the tone early, built a quick double-digit lead, and never looked back. Even against an 0–5 Jackson State team, the offensive performance stood out. The Razorbacks shot 64% from the field, 74% in the second half, and racked up 15 dunks while repeatedly attacking a defense that offered little resistance at the rim. Arkansas turned 20 turnovers into 38 points and dominated the open floor with a 34–4 edge in fast-break scoring.
Bench Steps Up, Balanced Scoring Everywhere
In a game where the starters didn’t need to carry much of the load, Arkansas’ depth came through in a big way. Malique Ewin erupted for 21 points in just 14 minutes off the bench, leading seven Razorbacks who finished in double figures.
Karter Knox added 17 points and 10 rebounds, while D.J. Wagner (16) and Billy Richmond III (14) continued the team’s trend of spreading the offensive wealth. Freshman standout Meleek Thomas scored 13 off the bench, and fellow freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Isaiah Sealy chipped in 10 apiece.
It was the definition of a team effort, a night where nearly everyone got a piece of the production.
Freshmen Duo Still Among Nation’s Best
Even though they weren’t needed nearly as much in this blowout, Arkansas’ star freshmen remained notable in the bigger picture. Thomas and Acuff enter the weekend as the nation’s top-scoring freshman duo, both ranking inside the NCAA’s top 15 rookies in scoring. They are also one of just 13 duos in the country averaging at least 18 points per game.
Friday’s matchup gave them an opportunity to conserve energy while the rest of the roster carried the load, a welcome scenario with tougher competition looming.
A Warm-Up for What’s Ahead
While Jackson State’s defensive struggles played a role in Arkansas’ stat-sheet explosion, the Razorbacks still showed the kind of offensive ceiling that makes them dangerous. Between the rim pressure, transition dominance, and overwhelming depth, this was the tune-up they needed before their biggest test of the young season.
Arkansas now turns its attention to a marquee Thanksgiving matchup in Chicago, where the Razorbacks will face No. 5 Duke. If Friday night was any indication, Arkansas enters that showdown with plenty of confidence and plenty of weapons.