Fayetteville, Arkansas – Arkansas used a 17-0 run in the first half – holding Elon scoreless for the final 6:11 of the period – and cruised in the second half to claim an 81-55 victory Tuesday night in Bud Walton Arena.
The 55 points by Elon was the fewest by an Arkansas opponent this season as well as the fewest scored by the Phoenix this season.
Down five (26-21), the lineup of Davonte Davis, Kamani Johnson Trey Wade, JD Notae and Jaxson Robinson turned the Razorback fortune and gave the Razorbacks a 12-point (38-26) halftime advantage.
The Razorbacks pushed the lead to 30 with 7:08 left in the game. Elon showed some fight and answered with a 13-0 run to make it a 17-point game (68-51) with 4:09 to play. However, Arkansas only allowed Elon to score four points the rest of the way – including two free throws with 24 seconds left – to secure the 26-point win.
Chris Lykes led Arkansas with 21 points, taking just eight shots and making 12-of-12 at the line, in his first start of the season. Jaxson Robinson made his first three 3-pointers and finished with a career-high 14 points. JD Notae added 15 points and tied for the team lead with seven rebounds. Kamani Johnson also had seven boards – a season-best – and he blocked a career-high three shots. Trey Wade also blocked three shots. For the second time this season, Davonte Davis did not attempt a shot while leading the team with six assists and getting six rebounds.
Michael Graham led Elon with 14 points and Darius Burford had 12.
Up next, Arkansas begins SEC play with a trip to Mississippi State on Dec. 29 (Wednesday). Tipoff is set for 8 pm (CT) and the game will be televised on SEC Network.