Razorbacks beat Bradley in North Little Rock

Arkansas guard Jordan Walsh (13) shoots over Bradley forward Malevy Leons during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, in North Little Rock. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — The 10th-ranked Arkansas basketball team’s visit to Simmons Bank Arena on Saturday was far less stressful than those in recent years.

The Razorbacks improved to 10-1 and picked up their sixth consecutive victory with a 76-57 win over Bradley. Arkansas is now 13-10 all-time in the building.

Under coach Eric Musselman, the Razorbacks are 2-1 in North Little Rock. They defeated Valparaiso in December 2019 and lost to Hofstra last December.

"The fans here really recognize our guys," Musselman said. "I think they wanted to play well and play hard and represent."

Arkansas freshman wing Jordan Walsh set the tone early with aggressive play on both ends. He scored eight points as the Razorbacks built a 13-7 lead less than eight minutes into the game.

Walsh later scored eight consecutive points for Arkansas, including a left-wing three-pointer assisted by Ricky Council that put the Razorbacks ahead 20-8.

At halftime, as Arkansas led 37-25, Walsh had 16 points on 6 of 6 from the floor and 3 steals, which tied Davonte Davis for the team lead.

Walsh finished with a season-high 18 points and four steals. He is averaging 15 points in two games since Missouri transfer forward Trevon Brazile was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.

"Before the Oklahoma game (last Saturday, Musselman) told me just play with more confidence," Walsh said. "As soon as he told me that I was like, 'Oh, yeah, I'm going to turn up. I've got to listen to him and just play with more confidence.' I'm far more confident, opened up my game a little bit more for me and my teammates."

Bradley, which committed 16 first-half turnovers that resulted in 21 Arkansas points, kept within striking distance early in the second half. The Braves twice pulled within nine points in the opening four minutes after a three-pointer by Connor Hickman and layup from Malevy Leons.

Bradley would pull no closer, however.

In the 4 minutes, 12 seconds after Leons’ score, the Razorbacks reeled off a 15-2 run. Davis’ three-pointer in front of the Arkansas bench put the Razorbacks ahead 56-34 with 12:47 remaining.

“I thought defensively we were really good,” Musselman said. “I thought we played really, really hard against a really good team. I thought we respected Bradley, had a great week of preparation, and then Jordan Walsh just keeps getting better.”

The Razorbacks led by as many as 24 points following a big one-handed dunk by Jalen Graham. Walsh, almost immediately after the dunk, received a technical foul for tapping the top of his head.

The Braves finished the game with 27 turnovers, which turned into 37 points for Arkansas. Bradley came in averaging 13.3 turnovers per game.

Alongside Walsh, who made 7 of 7 shots before fouling out, freshman guard Anthony Black added 15 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Council, who had 5 points on 1 of 4 shooting at halftime, finished with 16 points.

Davis, from nearby Jacksonville, scored 7 points, had 7 rebounds and tied a career high with 5 steals. 

Razorbacks star freshman guard Nick Smith exited the game with 17:05 remaining and went in the direction of the Arkansas locker room with head athletic trainer Matt Townsend. Smith returned to the team bench several minutes later, but he did not re-enter the game.

Forward Rienk Mast led the Braves (7-4) with 17 points.

The Razorbacks return to play in Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday against North Carolina-Asheville. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. on SEC Network.