#12/13 Arkansas Uses Two Big Runs to Down UAPB, 106-61

November 3, 2026

FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas used a 25-0 run early in the first half and a 21-3 run in the second half for a 106-61 victory over UAPB in the teams’ 2026-27 season opener Tuesday night at Bud Walton Arena.

It was the first-ever meeting between the Razorbacks and Golden Lions. Arkansas pushed its home-opening win streak to 54 games, including a 34-0 mark since Bud Walton Arena opened for the 1993-94 season.

Jeremiah Wilkinson led all scorers with 23 points (7-of-11 FG) and Jordan Smith Jr. (7-of-11 FG) pumped in 20 points. The pair also combined for eight of the team’s 11 steals – five by Wilkinson and three by Smith. However, one player – Maper Maker – may have stolen the headlines. The freshman only took one shot – an alley-oop dunk – and he was 4-of-4 at the free throw line for six points. But in 22:33 minutes played, Maker was +51 thanks to grabbing a game-high eight rebounds with two blocked shots.

The Razorbacks dominated several statistical categories, including rebounds (43-27), fastbreaks (45-6) and points off turnovers (32-12).

Jalen Tatum led UAPB with 16 points.

Arkansas hits the road this weekend to face #9/10 Virginia in the Capital Showcase, played in Washington, D.C., at Capital One Arena. Tipoff is set for 1 pm (ET)/Noon (CT) and the game will be televised on ESPN.

FIRST HALF: ARK: 47 – UAPB: 28

UAPB scored first on a layup by Creed Williamson at 19:24.
Jeremiah Wilkinson answered with a 3-pointer and the Hogs went on a 25-0 run from 19:10 to 11:28.
Arkansas had 10 assists on 14 made baskets but was just 15-of-23 from the line.
Wilkinson led Arkansas with 14 points, going 3-of-5 from 3-point range. He, Jordan Smith Jr., and Maper Maker led the team with four rebounds each.
Creed Williamson led UAPB with 10 first-half points.

SECOND HALF: ARK: 59 – UAPB: 33

To start the second half, UAPB was able to match the Razorbacks the first four minutes. Then, Arkansas went on a 21-3 run to lead 78-42 with 10:41 left.
During the 21-3 run, Arkansas had five dunks and two layups. Overall, the Razorbacks had 10 of their 14 dunks in the game during the second half.
Arkansas outscored the Golden Lions, 23-2, in fastbreak points in the second half.
After shooting going just 15-of-23 from the line in the first half, Arkansas was 15-of-19 in the second half.
Arkansas also had eight of its 11 steals on the night in the second half.
Jordan Smith Jr. led Arkansas with 11 second-half points.
Jeremy Nyakundi and Jalen Tatum led UAPB in the second half, each with 10 points.

NOTES:

Arkansas’ starting lineup was Jordan Smith Jr., Jeremiah Wilkinson, Billy Richmond III, Miikka Muurinen and Cooper Bowser.
Arkansas won the opening tip.
UAPB scored first on a layup by Creed Williamson at 19:24. Jeremiah Wilkinson scored the first points by Arkansas on a 3-pointer at 19:24.
• Arkansas’s first subs were JJ Andrews and Maper Maker at 16:04.
This was the first ever meeting between Arkansas and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Arkansas opened its 104th season with a win. The Razorbacks are now 85-19 in season openers all-time and 94-10 in home openers. Overall, the Razorbacks have won 53 of the last 56 season openers.
The Razorbacks have won 53 straight home openers, including a 34-0 record in openers inside Bud Walton Arena.
Coach Calipari is 3-0 in both home and season openers at Arkansas. Overall, he is 28-7 in season openers and 32-3 in home openers. He has won 24 straight home openers.
Arkansas has now scored at least 100 points in 155 games and improved to 148-7 in such contests.
Head coach John Calipari is 52-1 when his collegiate team scores at least 100 points.
Jordan Smith Jr. is just the eighth Razorback – the third freshman – to have at least 20 points and four rebounds in his debut since 1977-78. The other two freshmen were Meleek Thomas and Patrick Beverley. (HogStats)

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