HONOLULU — Junior Keira Peak had 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Arkansas women’s basketball team to a 79-67 victory over Oregon on Sunday, finishing the Razorbacks’ three-day stay in the Waikiki Beach Resort Classic in Honolulu.
Peak scored 70 points in the tournament’s three games, starting with 30 points in Friday’s loss to Oklahoma and 16 in Saturday’s victory over Hawaii.
Sunday, she made 4 of 5 three-pointers and the Razorbacks made 9 of 17 as a team to build a 45-28 halftime lead and coast to their fifth victory in six games this season.
“She was just on fire,” Arkansas Coach Tom Collen said. “She played her heart out.”
Arkansas made 17 of 29 shots (59 percent) in the final15 minutes of the first half to overcome a slow start - Oregon led 8-0 and 17-11 in the game’s first 10 minutes - and take a 17-point halftime lead.
The Razorbacks (5-1) were led by post players Sarah Watkins, Jhasmin Bowen and Quistelle Williams. Watkins and Bowen each had 14 points, while Williams had 11.
Watkins also had 10 rebounds and Williams had 8, though the Razorbacks were out rebounded 46-39.
“We were able to finish with three of our post players in double figures and that’s where we were able to make some hay,” Collen said. “We had a mismatch in the paint.”
Peak also had five steals and five other Arkansas players had two steals each as the Razorbacks forced 27 turnovers. Dominique Wilson added 9 points on 3 of 4 three-point shooting.
Amanda Delgado led Oregon (0-5) with 20 points, while Laura Stanulis had13 and Danielle Love had 11 points.
SUN BELT MEN
ARKANSAS STATE 93, LAMAR 53
JONESBORO - Ed Townsel scored a career-high 27 points on 6 of 9 three-point shooting and Arkansas State shot 56.8 percent in the second half to earn a nonconference victory Sunday.
Townsel made 10 of 17 shots and also had 5 rebounds for the Red Wolves (4-1) who led 33-21 at halftime but scored 28 points off 18 Lamar turnovers to turn the game into a rout.
Cameron Golden added 17 points, Raeford Worsham scored 13 off the bench and Brandon Peterson had 12 points and 13 rebounds to help Arkansas State win its fourth consecutive game since a season-opening loss to Dayton.
The Red Wolves held Cardinals (1-5) without a field goal over the final 4:27 and were led by Stan Bowen’s 10 points.
Sports, Pages 18 on 11/26/2012