W. Basketball Wins Third Straight
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Another strong defensive performance propelled the University of Arkansas women’s basketball to its third straight Southeastern Conference win Monday night. In front of a national television audience at Bud Walton Arena, the Razorbacks jumped out to a sizeable lead and then held on in the final moments to defeat No. 24/21 Georgia, 54-48.
Arkansas moves its record to 14-8 and 4-6 in conference play. Georgia loses its fourth game in a row and falls to 17-7 and 5-6 in SEC.
Sophomore Jessica Jackson led Arkansas with 15 points, including five key free throws in the final 26 seconds to ice the win.
Defense was the story of the night for the Razorbacks, holding Georgia to 33 percent shooting and forcing 20 turnovers. Arkansas held the Bulldogs to 48 points, the third straight SEC opponent the Razorback defense has kept below the 50-point plateau. It is the first time in program history for Arkansas to allow less than 50 points to three straight SEC foes.
The Razorbacks never trailed in the game and led by as many as 18 points in the first half. Arkansas jumped out to an early 10-0 lead as Georgia was held off the scoreboard for the game’s initial 6:41 and forced into six turnovers. Back-to-back baskets by junior Melissa Wolff at the five-minute mark contributed to Arkansas’ 24-6 lead, its largest of the game. Ten of Jackson’s 15 points came in the first half as Arkansas shot 50 percent in the opening frame and led 30-16.
The Bulldogs cut into the lead at multiple points in the second half, but the Razorbacks were able to answer. The lead was trimmed to single digits with 14 minutes left, but seniors Calli Berna and Jhasmin Bowen combined for a quick 6-0 run to push the lead back up to 15.
Arkansas held a 49-38 lead with 7:08 to play, but Georgia again would make a run cutting it down to 49-45 with 39 ticks left. On a drive to the basket, Jackson was fouled but could not convert her two free throws.
Georgia answered with a banked three-ball from Erika Ford with 29 seconds left, leaving Arkansas clinging to a one-point lead. Jackson was fouled again, and this time calmly knocked down a pair of free throws with 26 seconds to help Arkansas to a three-point edge. On the ensuing possession, Jackson blocked two potential game-tying three point attempts. Following the blocks, Georgia head coach Andy Landers was ejected after a double-technical foul. Arkansas was awarded four free throws and Jackson made three of them to salt the game away.
In addition to Jackson, Arkansas’ two seniors combined for 24 points as Calli Berna matched a season-high with 13 points and Jhasmin Bowen chipped in 11. Berna filled up the stat sheet, also recording seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Junior Melissa Wolff was good for eight points and eight rebounds.
Merritt Hempe scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds to pace the Bulldogs.
Monday’s win marks the first time Arkansas has defeated multiple ranked opponents in the same season since 2011-12. The Razorbacks previously defeated No. 17/16 Iowa Nov. 28, 2014.
Arkansas is back in action Thursday evening, traveling to College Station, Texas, to play No. 15/13 Texas A&M. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be broadcasted on the SEC Network.
QUOTABLE
“I knew Georgia would make a run at us, but I am so proud of my team, this is the first time in program history we have held three-straight SEC teams below 50 points. Our defense really dialed in pretty well tonight. Our locker room was really alive. We are coming off of two wins at Alabama and Auburn, but to beat a ranked Georgia, an NCAA tournament team every year, our confidence is good. We still have a lot of work in front of us. We face A&M on Thursday and at Auburn on Sunday. We will celebrate this win until midnight tonight. At least my players will, all I will be thinking about on my ride home is how we were outrebounded but hey, that’s okay with me because I am so happy for our program tonight.” – head coach Jimmy Dykes
POST GAME NOTES
– The Razorbacks have held three straight SEC opponents under 50 points, marking the first time in program history Arkansas has accomplished such feat.
– Arkansas recorded its first win over a ranked SEC opponent since beating No. 19/18 LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Feb. 23, 2014, 57-53
– The Razorbacks beat their first ranked SEC opponent at Bud Walton Arena since defeating No. 24/24 South Carolina on Feb. 9, 2012, 68-47
– Following wins over No. 24/21 Georgia and No. 17/16 Iowa, Arkansas has defeated multiple ranked opponents in the same season since 2011-12 when Arkansas beat No. 13 Florida State, No. 25/22 Vanderbilt, No. 24/24 South Carolina, and No. 6/7 Tennessee
– Sophomore Jessica Jackson had 10 points at halftime, the eighth time this seasons she’s been in double figures at the break and the first time in SEC play. She finished with 15 points, the 16th time she’s been in double digits this season.
– Berna, Jackson, and Bowen all reached double figures, the 16th time Arkansas has had at least three players score 10 or more this season.
– Arkansas snapped an eight-game losing streak to Georgia.
