FAYETTEVILLE – The Arkansas women’s basketball team (12-0) delivered when it counted once again, taking down in-state foe Arkansas State, 77-63. In a competitive game, Arkansas’ defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, as the Razorbacks held the Red Wolves to 0-for-7 from the field in the final stretch of the game. Arkansas played seven players, five of which reached double figures, led by Samara Spencer’s 19 points. For the second straight season, Arkansas has defeated all four in-state opponents.
The Razorbacks got the offensive power going early thanks to back-to-back 3-pointers courtesy of Jersey Wolfenbarger and Chrissy Carr. Arkansas State was also making shots, shooting 71% in the first half of the quarter. After two nice Erynn Barnum layups, Arkansas led 16-13 at the media timeout with 4:33 left in the opening quarter. Out of the break, Arkansas found trouble from the field, shooting 0-for-5, but the Razorbacks got in the bonus early and made six free throws down the stretch of the first quarter. Maryam Dauda helped the Razorbacks dig out of their drought from the field with back-to-back layups. Arkansas finished the first 10 minutes with a slight 24-23 advantage.
Barnum opened the second quarter with a layup. The Red Wolves would then tie the game at 28 off a 3-pointer, while Arkansas hit a scoring drought for two minutes and some change. Dauda continued to come up big for the Razorbacks, and with 3:48 left in the half, Arkansas led, 34-30. Arkansas went on a 6-0 run, leading 40-33 with a minute left in the half. A Wolfenbarger 3-pointer extended the Razorback lead to 10, their first double-digit lead of the game. At the half, Arkansas led 43-35.