FAYETTEVILLE — A focused defensive effort helped propel Arkansas to a win in its final non-conference tuneup.
Although the Razorbacks' seven-game homestand to close nonconference play provided ample opportunities for off games and unfocused efforts, Arkansas seemed to only get stronger as the slate went on, finishing Saturday with a 104-71 win over Texas-San Antonio in front of an estimated crowd of 8,800.
The Razorbacks forced 28 turnovers and built a 62-35 halftime lead in the rout of the Roadrunners (4-9). Arkansas (11-2) was led in scoring by Bobby Portis, who totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals, while shooting 8 of 8 from the floor and committing no turnovers or fouls. The game is the ninth straight for Portis in double figures, equaling BJ Young's nine-game double figure streak last season.
Arkansas also got 15 points from Rashad Madden and 11 from Michael Qualls. In all, 13 Razorbacks scored.
As a team, the Razorbacks had 24 assists and 14 steals, leading to a season-high 40 points off turnovers.
Arkansas jumped out to a 16-4 lead in the opening minutes led by nine quick points from Madden. Eleven Razorbacks saw the floor by the midway point of the first half.
The Roadrunners were led in scoring by guard Devon Agusi, who scored 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting before fouling out with 5 minutes left in the game.
As the Razorbacks pushed for triple digits for the third time this season, there was some excitement down the stretch when head coach Mike Anderson protested a blocking foul on Kikko Haydar and was charged with a technical foul, his first of the season.
Arkansas opens conference play on Jan. 8 with a road game against Texas A&M. The Aggies defeated the Razorbacks 69-51 in College Station in last season's conference opener.