Arkansas’ struggles in early SEC play continued Sunday afternoon as the Razorbacks fell 77-48 to Alabama at Coleman Coliseum.
The Tide (15-1, 1-1 SEC) led wire to wire and built a lead as large as 32 points, handing Arkansas (11-6, 0-2 SEC) its most lopsided loss of the season. Alabama closed the first quarter on a 10-0 run to take a 25-14 advantage and never allowed the Razorbacks to seriously threaten the rest of the way.
Ta’Mia Scott sparked the early surge for Alabama, hitting a pair of first-quarter 3-pointers as the Tide stretched a slim lead into double digits. Arkansas briefly cut the margin to one midway through the opening period, but Alabama responded with sustained shooting efficiency and control on the glass.
The Tide pushed the lead to 20 by halftime, shooting 7-of-19 from beyond the arc in the opening half and holding a 28-16 rebounding edge. Alabama continued to pull away after the break, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers early in the third quarter and extending the margin to 57-32 at the media timeout.
Arkansas was held to just 48 points on the afternoon, though the Razorbacks outscored Alabama 12-10 in the fourth quarter. Taleyah Jones was limited to nine points, marking just the second time this season she finished in single figures. Freshman Bonnie Deas came up one point and two rebounds shy of another double-double.
Scott led Alabama with 16 points as three Tide players finished in double figures. Alabama matched its season high with 13 made 3-pointers and dominated the rebounding battle.
The loss snapped Arkansas’ 10-game winning streak against Alabama, which dated back to 2008.
Arkansas returns home Thursday to face No. 3 South Carolina at Bud Walton Arena.
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