Matt Jones is the online sports editor for the Arkansas-Democrat-Gazette and Northwest Arkansas Newspapers.
Arkansas advances with WNIT win
By:
Matt Jones
Published: Thursday, March 21, 2013
Photo by Michael Woods
Arkansas guard Kiera Peak drives to the basket past Memphis defender Ariel Hearn during Thursday night's game in the WNIT tournament at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
FAYETTEVILLE — Dominique Wilson scored 15 points and Calli Berna added 14 points to lead Arkansas to a 67-57 win over Memphis in the first round of the Women's National Invitational Tournament Thursday night at Bud Walton Arena.
The Razorbacks (20-12) withstood a late Tigers surge after leading by as many as 20 points in the first half. Memphis pulled to within 53-47 on consecutive Bilquis Abdul-Qaadir 3-pointers in the second half, but couldn't trim the deficit anymore.
Quistelle Williams hit a 3-pointer with 4:05 remaining to extend the Arkansas lead to 60-51 and ignite a 7-0 run. The Razorbacks held Memphis to only two made field goals in the final 4:31.
Arkansas used a 13-1 first half run to take control of the game. Williams and Erin Gatling hit back-to-back 3-pointers to spark the run, while Wilson added another trey to extend the lead to 23-11 and force a Tigers timeout.
The Razorbacks outscored Memphis 29-11 over the final 11:25 of the half and led 39-21 at halftime.
Williams had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Razorbacks' second consecutive win. Memphis (17-15) was led by Ariel Hearn's 16 points.
Arkansas improved to 6-0 all-time in WNIT first round games. The Razorbacks will host Tulane in a second round game Sunday at 2 p.m.
The Green Wave beat Sam Houston State 65-57 Thursday night in New Orleans.
