Red Wolves Make History in Fayetteville, Knock Off Arkansas for Ninth Straight Win
Arkansas State extended its winning streak to nine games Sunday afternoon, knocking off Arkansas 81–72 at Bud Walton Arena in a historic road victory for the Red Wolves.
The win marked Arkansas State’s first victory over the Razorbacks since the 2005 WNIT and the program’s first-ever win in Fayetteville. It was also the Red Wolves’ first win over a Southeastern Conference opponent since a 70–69 victory at Florida on Nov. 14, 2017. With an earlier 83–66 win over Houston this season, A-State has now earned multiple wins over power conference opponents in the same year for the first time since the 2006–07 season.
Three Red Wolves scored at least 15 points to pace the effort as Arkansas State improved to 11–3 overall and 2–0 in Sun Belt Conference play. Mia Tarver led the way with a season-high 18 points, knocking down six three-pointers. Zyion Shannon added 17 points, while Crislyn Rose finished with 15 points and a season-high eight assists.
Arkansas State’s defense once again set the tone, forcing Arkansas into a season-high 29 turnovers. It was the 13th time in 14 games the Red Wolves have forced an opponent into 20 or more turnovers. A-State capitalized on those mistakes, outscoring the Razorbacks 33–12 in points off turnovers.
The Red Wolves shot 39 percent from the field (32-of-83) and went 11-of-46 from beyond the arc. The 11 made three-pointers were the most Arkansas has ever allowed against a Sun Belt Conference opponent. Arkansas shot 39 percent overall and 38 percent from three-point range, while converting 18-of-22 free throws.
A-State opened the scoring with a jumper from Rose and weathered an early cold stretch from outside before locking down defensively. The Red Wolves held Arkansas scoreless for nearly four minutes in the first quarter and took control late as D’Arrah Allen connected on a three-pointer and a buzzer-beating layup to give A-State momentum.
The Scarlet and Black pulled away in the second quarter behind a full-court press that sparked a 15–2 run. Shannon scored seven points during the stretch, including two three-pointers, and Rose capped the half with a three on the final possession to give Arkansas State a 10-point halftime lead.
Arkansas State opened the second half with a 7–1 run and answered each Razorback push with timely shooting. Tarver and Marlie Dickerson drained back-to-back threes late in the third quarter to push the lead back into double figures, and A-State entered the final period up 65–43.
The Red Wolves stretched the advantage to as many as 19 points with five minutes remaining before Arkansas chipped away from the free-throw line. Shannon scored seven of her points in the fourth quarter, and Arkansas State closed out the game at the stripe to secure the landmark win.
Arkansas State returns to Sun Belt Conference action Thursday, Jan. 1, with a road game at Southern Miss. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.