FAYETTEVILLE — It was the fourth victory in as many tries for the Arkansas women, but certainly the most satisfying.
The Razorbacks finished strong against Middle Tennessee, earning a 77-50 victory in front of 678 fans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas (4-0) ended the game on a 34-9 run, and did it in large part because it kept converting turnovers.
The Razorbacks forced 20 Middle Tennessee turnovers, resulting in 26 points, and they outrebounded the Blue Raiders 38-27.
Ricketts led all players with 20 points and 7 assists, and was one of four Razorbacks to score 10 or more points. Ashley Daniels had 14 points and 8 rebounds, and Keira Peak came off the bench to score 14. Lyndsay Harris added 12 points.
Arkansas shot better than 50 percent from the field, going 30 of 59.
Arkansas broke away from a 25-25 tie with less than four minutes remaining in the first half to go up 36-29 at halftime. Ricketts hit a three-pointer, and finished the first half with 15 points and 4 assists.
SOUTHLAND WOMEN
CENTRAL ARKANSAS 82, HOUSTON BAPTIST 50
MOREHEAD, Ky. - Megan Herbert had 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead Central Arkansas in a rout of Houston Baptist in the Sugar Bears’ third and final game in the Comfort Inn and SuitesClassic on Sunday at the Ellis T. Johnson Arena.
Herbert broke the Southland Conference record with her 30th career double-double. She also led UCA (2-3) with two blocks.
The Sugar Bears hit 6 of 15 from three-point range in the first half and forced 16 turnovers en route to a 44-15 halftime lead.
Westin Taylor had a season-high 15 points, all from three-point range. Sidney Stewart added 12 points.
SWAC MEN
STANFORD 92, ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF 49
STANFORD, Calif. - Jeremy Green scored 21 points to lead Stanford to a victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Josh Owens added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Cardinal (3-0), and Dwight Powell had 12 points.
Allen Smith scored a season-high 23 points to lead the Golden Lions (0-4), who have allowed more than 80 points in three of their first four games. Gavin Montgomery added 14 points.
Sports, Pages 20 on 11/22/2010