FAYETTEVILLE — Follow along for updates from Arkansas' home game against Fresno State.
Arkansas 83, Fresno State 75, final
Daniel Gafford exploded for 25 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals, electrifying the Bud Walton Arena crowd as Arkansas improved to 3-0 heading into the Phil Knight Invitational.
Gafford had 13 of his points and five of his six dunks in the second half to spark the Razorbacks. Jaylen Barford added 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the win, while Anton Beard scored 13.
Fresno State struggled mightily on the offensive end in the first half and finished with xx turnovers. The Bulldogs were down 17 with 7:11 left, but rallied to make it semi-interesting late, cutting the lead down to seven at one point.
But the Razorbacks closed it out.
Arkansas 72, Fresno State 61, 3:36 second half
Daniel Gafford checked out with 22 points on 9 of 11 shooting, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals in 28 minutes.
Daryl Macon went down with what appeared to be a cramp. He stayed on the bench and was tended to by trainer Dave England.
Arkansas 61, Fresno State 46, 7:46 second half
In the span of three possessions, Daniel Gafford caught an alley-oop dunk, blocked a shot in transition and dunked over someone while drawing a foul. Highly impressive sequence for the freshman. He has 17 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals in 25 minutes, easily the most he's played so far this year.
Fresno State hasn't posed a serious threat this half.
Arkansas 55, Fresno State 38, 11:26 second half
The Bulldogs were just whistled for a five-second call, their 15th turnover of the evening. They're shooting just 37 percent from the floor and have really struggled against Arkansas' length. Probably the best defensive showing of the year for the Hogs.
Daniel Gafford is in line to play a ton of minutes down the stretch after Trey Thompson picked up his fourth foul with 15:23 left.
Arkansas 47, Fresno State 35, 15:57 second half
Fresno State's Bryson Williams has 14 points, eight in the second half, in an effort to keep the Bulldogs within striking distance.
Arkansas began the half sloppily, with three turnovers in the first four minutes, but has maintained a double-digit lead. Trey Thompson picked up his third foul but remained in the game.
Arkansas 39, Fresno State 25, halftime
Another game, another big halftime lead against a good mid-major opponent.
Daniel Gafford finished the half with a flourish and has 11 points, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals. He was the recipient of a few nice Daryl Macon dishes. Jaylen Barford has 12 to lead all scorers.
Arkansas got off to a slow start, but its defense was impressive and the reason it jumped out to a big lead. Fresno State struggled mightily against the Hogs' length, shooting just 31 percent with 10 turnovers.
Arkansas 29, Fresno State 17, 3:37 first half
Arkansas senior guards Jaylen Barford (12), Anton Beard (7) and Daryl Macon (4) have combined for 23 of the Razorbacks' 29 points. Arkansas has several players in foul trouble: Beard 2 and Trey Thompson 2.
The Hogs' defense has been suffocating. Fresno is shooting just 27 percent with 9 turnovers.
Arkansas 22, Fresno State 12, 7:44 first half
In a game with little offense or flow, Anton Beard had an acrobatic finish through contact and hit a 3-pointer to give Arkansas a 22-12 lead.
The Razorbacks have outscored the Bulldogs 22-6 since facing an early 6-0 deficit. Fresno is shooting just 22 percent with six turnovers.
Arkansas 11, Fresno State 10, 11:21 first half
It's been an ugly showing for both offenses. Arkansas is shooting 36 percent, Fresno State 31.
Jaylen Barford (5) and Daryl Macon (4) are leading Arkansas so far.
Fresno State 6, Arkansas 5, 15:22 first half
Both teams are off to a slow start.
Trey Thompson headed to the bench with two quick fouls in the first few minutes, meaning early minutes for freshman Daniel Gafford. Jaylen Barford has all five Arkansas points, on a long 2-point jumper and a 3. Fresno State has had trouble with Arkansas' pressure, with three early turnovers.