Arkansas Defeats Cincinnati in CareSource Invitational Exhibition Game
The Arkansas men’s basketball team secured a commanding victory over Cincinnati in the CareSource Invitational exhibition game. Held at Bud Walton Arena, the Razorbacks triumphed with a score of 89-61, showcasing their strong performance throughout the matchup.
Game Highlights
Leading by 20 points at halftime, Arkansas opened the second half with a decisive 23-10 run, maintaining control of the game. Five Razorback players scored in double figures, demonstrating the team’s offensive depth.
Top Performers
- Meleek Thomas: 18 points, 7 rebounds
- Darius Acuff Jr.: 17 points
- Trevon Brazile: 15 points
- Karter Knox: 13 points
- Billy Richmond III: 10 points
Cincinnati struggled offensively, with Halvine Dzellat being the only Bearcat to reach double digits, scoring 10 points. Arkansas showcased their scoring efficiency, shooting 53.1% in the first half and 53.3% in the second half, while holding Cincinnati to just 27.8% and 28.9%, respectively.
First Half Breakdown
Arkansas started strong, with an alley-oop dunk from Trevon Brazile. Cincinnati quickly responded with a three-pointer but struggled to find their rhythm. The Razorbacks capitalized on Cincinnati’s slow start, racing to a 12-5 lead after hitting four consecutive baskets. By the end of the first half, Arkansas had scored 48 points, marking their best first-half performance in an exhibition against an NCAA Division I opponent.
Second Half Performance
In the second half, Arkansas continued to dominate, with Thomas contributing 11 points. The team’s defense stifled Cincinnati’s offense, and Arkansas sealed the game with a strong overall performance.
Upcoming Games
Following this exhibition, Arkansas will compete against the Memphis Tigers as part of the Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic. This charity event will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 pm (CT), after the Memphis women’s team faces Vanderbilt at 5:30 pm (CT). Both games will be broadcast on ESPNU.
Exhibition Game Notes
- Arkansas is 75-11 in exhibition games.
- The team has won 39 consecutive home exhibition games.
- Arkansas’s starting lineup included Acuff Jr., D.J. Wagner, Knox, Brazile, and Nick Pringle.
- The Razorbacks executed a total of 11 dunks, with Brazile contributing four.
This exhibition serves as a part of a larger initiative by CareSource, aimed at normalizing the conversation around mental health. The event underscores the importance of supporting mental health initiatives for children and teens across the nation.
