Men’s basketball: Arkansas rallies past UTSA, 75-60

By Jerry Briggs
Special for The JB Replay

The Arkansas Razorbacks shot 66.7 percent from the field after intermission, rallying from a five-point halftime deficit to down the UTSA Roadrunners, 75-60, on Saturday afternoon.

The Roadrunners traveled to Arkansas, looking to build on a solid performance in California earlier in the week.

Playing at Moraga, Calif., on Tuesday night, UTSA came back from a 23-point first-half deficit and nearly upset the defending West Coast Conference champion Saint Mary’s Gaels, before falling 82-74 in overtime.

Against the John Calipari-coached Razorbacks, the Roadrunners started the game much better, moving out to a 32-27 lead at intermission.

Hopes were high that they might be able to spring an upset and win a game against a power conference opponent for the first time in 15 years.

But after halftime, Arkansas found its shooting touch and outscored UTSA, 48-28.

Forward Adou Thiero led the Razorbacks with a career-high tying 26 points, and he also pulled down 10 rebounds. Florida Atlantic transfer Johnell Davis contributed 13 points and three assists.

For UTSA, Primo Spears and Marcus Millender gave the Razorbacks fits, especially in the first half. Spears finished with 19 points and Millender 18.

Guard Tai’Reon Joseph, making his UTSA debut after sitting out seven games on an eligibility issue, started the game for the Roadrunners. He had four points, two rebounds and three steals in 21 minutes.

The Roadrunners enjoyed their best moments in the first half, particularly in the last five minutes, when they outscored the Razorbacks 13-6.

Spears hit a couple of 3-pointers and Damari Monsanto nailed one during the stretch. Center Mo Njie dunked with 25 seconds left to boost UTSA into a 32-24 lead.

For Arkansas, DJ Wagner hit a three to bring the Razorbacks to within five at intermission.

In the second half, the Razorbacks went to Thiero early, and he responded. The 6-foot-8 forward dunked and completed a three-point play. Then he hit a jumper. Arkansas completed an 8-0 run when Davis knocked down a three.

As soon as Davis’ shot went down with 16:36 remaining, the Razorbacks flipped the scoreboard and took a 35-32 lead. The Roadrunners would not lead or tie again.

Records

UTSA 3-5
Arkansas 7-2

Coming up

North Dakota at UTSA, Friday, 7 p.m.

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