 |
62 86 |
UALR (15-11, 9-6) was down 8-0 at the start and never got
closer than 12 points in the second half to Arkansas State, which now leads
UALR by ½ game in the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division.
“You have to give them credit. They jumped out to an 8-0 lead
and we had to call a timeout. We’ve made strides from a young team standpoint
but we didn’t handle the runs the way we needed to,” UALR Coach Steve Shields
said. “They played with passion. We can’t give up 45 points in a half, 51
percent from the floor.”
UALR’s leading scorer and rebounder Will Neighbour played
sparingly after missing the entire week of practice with a virus. He was
considered doubtful to play but did see action. His 35-game starting streak
ended though when freshman James White was in the starting lineup.
It likely wouldn’t have mattered. Arkansas State was solid
defensively and good enough offensively to build a 24-point first half lead.
UALR fought back to cut the lead to 45-29 at halftime. And UALR did get as
close as 12 points in the second half after a three-pointer by Ben Dillard. But
Arkansas State’s Ed Townsell hit a three-pointer at the other end and the rout
was on.
Josh Hagins and John Gillon led UALR with 11 points apiece.
Neighbour had 5 points and 6 rebounds in 21 minutes. He probably played more
than he would have if White and Michael Javes were not in serious first-half
foul trouble.
