Washington Named Classic MVP After 67-51 Victory

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Four Razorbacks had double figures in a 67-51 victory over Stephen F. Austin Saturday evening at Bud Walton Arena in the Jim Thorpe Classic finale. The victory marks Arkansas’ 40th consecutive home win over a non-conference opponent and snaps the Lumberjacks’ six-game win streak.Michael Washington recorded his third straight double-double performance and fifth of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds against Stephen F. Austin. Courtney Fortson and Stefan Welsh added 13 and 12 points, respectively. Arkansas has now had at least three double-digit scorers in eight games this season. Fortson added seven assists, the fifth time this year the freshman guard has totaled at least seven assists. Jason Henry chipped in 12 points off the bench.Arkansas (8-1) held Eddie Williams to two points a night after the Lumberjack guard scored 25 points against Austin Peay. For the game, the Razorbacks connected on 46.3 percent of its shots, including half of its three-point attempts. The Hogs also held the advantage on the boards, 38-24. Arkansas has outrebounded its opponent in every game this season.Washington was named the most valuable player of the Jim Thorpe Classic after averaging 20.5 points and 12.5 points during the three-day event. Fortson and Welsh joined Washington on the all-tournament team. The Lumberjacks’ Josh Alexander and Matt Kingsley and Austin Peay’s Drake Reed were also named to the all-tournament team.Fortson scored the first six points of the game and the Razorbacks built a 17-6 lead when Rotnei Clarke knocked in a three-point bucket with 12:16 remaining in the first half. The Lumberjacks responded with eight unanswered points and cut Arkansas’ lead to three on a layup by Nick Shaw.Neither team could run off a streak of points and a jumper by Adam Girod knotted the score at 24. The rest of the half belonged to the Razorbacks who ended the half on an 11-0 run and held Stephen F. Austin (7-3) without a field goal for the final 5:29 of the opening period.

Welsh made a three pointer with seven seconds left in the first half and Washington blocked a layup attempt as the buzzer sounded to send Arkansas into halftime with a 35-24 lead.The home team connected on 14 of its 27 first-half shot attempts. Arkansas improves to 6-0 when leading at the break.

The Razorbacks return in a Dec. 27 contest against Northwestern State with tipoff scheduled for 5:05 p.m. at Bud Walton Arena. For continued coverage and more news about the Hogs, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.