Razorbacks Roll to 108-37 Exhibition Win over Belize Select

CANCUN, Mexico – Five players scored in double figures and Arkansas easily won its second exhibition basketball game in the Casa de la Culture gym with a 108-37 rout of Belize Select on Sunday.

The Razorbacks, a day after traveling to Cancun and pulling out a 60-57 win over Quintana Roo later that night while shooting 38 percent from the field and 35 percent at the line, made 36-of-71 shots (.507) and 30-of-45 free throws (.667) on Sunday.

Sophomore guard Stefan Welsh keyed a couple of big runs for the Hogs. His assist to Michael Washington gave Arkansas a 13-4 lead with 4:33 left in the first period. He followed later with a pull-up jumper and a pair of free throws for a 24-6 lead with 2:10 left in the period.

Arkansas led 28-9 after one quarter and was up 37-11 after a Gary Ervin steal and assist to Charles Thomas for a layup with 6:55 left in the second quarter.

The Razorbacks led 56-24 at the half after making 18-of-36 shots and 17-of-23 free throws.

Michael Sanchez pushed the lead to 77-30 with 2:16 left in the third on a pass from Welsh. Welsh followed with another of his eight assists to Washington, who converted a three-point play to make it 80-30. Arkansas led 90-30 after three quarters and the game was played with a running clock for part of the final period.

“We were constantly encouraging each other and trying to get on the same page,” head coach John Pelphrey said. “That’s a little thing, but it’s important.

“Patrick Beverley helped us be better organized and Stefan did a good job. Everybody made a more concerted effort to be more organized.”

Beverley, who missed Saturday’s game for violating team rules, made 8-of-16 shots and finished with 19 points and five rebounds.

Washington was 7-of-8 from the field and 7-of-10 at the line for a team-high 21 points along with six rebounds.

“Michael played very well both nights,” Pelphrey said. “He got good position and made quick scores. He made some nice adjustments.”

Darian Townes was 6-of-9 from the field and finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, and Thomas 6-of-10 shooting with nine boards.

“Charles has really, really made some nice strides,” Pelphrey said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him during the season.”

Sanchez was the fifth Razorback in double-figures with 11 points along with five rebounds.

Sunday’s win was a far cry from Saturday’s narrow three-point win in the final minute over Quintana Roo. A late steal and some clutch free-throw shooting vaulted the Razorbacks to a hard-fought win on Saturday. Sunday’s outcome was never in doubt. Beverley and Britt didn’t play in the first game of the tour after violating team rules. Both Razorbacks saw action on Sunday.

The Hogs will return to off-season conditioning and individual skills work until the official start of basketball practice on Friday, Oct. 12.

Download: cancun belize select boxscore.pdf