Arkansas knocks off Hatters

Jump to Stetson box

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ayana Brereton tied her season-best with 17 points leading the University of Arkansas women’s basketball team to a 85-44 non-conference win over Stetson University Wednesday in Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks tied its season-best with 85 points improving to 11-3 overall while Stetson fell to 5-6 this season. Brereton, a senior from Angleton, Texas, matched her 17 points against Southern Methodist and was one rebound shy of a double-double finishing with nine Wednesday. “This was a good win as we prepare to head into the new year,” UA head coach Tom Collen said. “We got everyone in to the game, and we got a lot of experience for players that we’re going to need later this season.” Brereton’s performance paced four players in double figures for Arkansas. Sophomore Shanita Arnold added 16 points, along with 17 from Lyndsay Harris and 11 from Julie Inman. Arkansas opened the first half with a blistering pace and a solid shooting percentage taking a commanding early lead. A 17-0 run to close the half in which the Hatters were held scoreless the final 5:27 before halftime stretched that lead to a season-best 48 points at the half. “ We came out with the intensity we needed and we were ready to run,” Brereton said. Arkansas had 12 steals and enjoyed a 12-turnover margin. The Razorbacks forced nine straight turnovers from the Hatters as part of 17 total turnovers in the first half. “The last few days in practice it’s been defense, defense, defense,” Arnold said. “With our defense on, that made it easier for our offense.” Brereton and Arnold led all scorers with 15 points at the break as the duo outscored the entire Stetson team which was held to just 18 at halftime. The Razorbacks were solid from the floor hitting 51.2 percent of their shots but the real difference in the score was Arkansas’ ability to take care of the ball. Arkansas kicks off the New Year Jan. 3 traveling to Texas Tech for the final non-conference game of the season. Saturday’s game will be seen live in the northwest Arkansas area on Cox Sports Television. The game begins at 2 p.m. Check local cable listings for CST. The Razorbacks open Southeastern Conference play hosting LSU Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. For more information about Arkansas women’s basketball and for the complete schedule, please log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.