FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas used relentless pressure defense to blitz Minnesota after halftime Tuesday, outscoring the Golden Gophers by 19 points in the second half of an 87-73 win at the Maui Invitational in Lahaina, Hawaii.
The Razorbacks scored the first 10 points after halftime to erase a 40-35 deficit. Anthlon Bell's 3-pointer gave Arkansas the lead for good at 42-40 and Fred Gulley's 3-pointer on the ensuing possession forced a Gophers timeout.
Game Sketch
RECORDS: Arkansas 4-1, Minnesota 5-2
LARGEST LEAD: Arkansas by 17
LEADING SCORERS: Arkansas: Alandise Harris 15; Minnesota: Austin Hollins 17
KEY STAT: The Razorbacks made 17 of 28 field goal attempts and 13 of 14 free throw attempts after halftime
DID YOU KNOW: Arkansas is 4-4 all-time in Maui Invitational games
UP NEXT: The Razorbacks will face No. 11 Gonzaga at 4 p.m., Central on Wednesday
Minnesota pulled within 45-44 but could get no closer as Arkansas forced 16 turnovers. After being out-rebounded by 19 in a loss to California the day before, the Razorbacks controlled the boards Tuesday, out-rebounding the Golden Gophers 33-27.
Alandise Harris led five Arkansas players in double-figures with 15 points. Bobby Portis added 12 points, Rashad Madden 11 points and Michael Qualls and Gulley each had 10 points.
Arkansas (4-1) used an 11-1 run to take a 34-31 lead late in the first half, but Malik Smith scored five points just before the intermission to give Minnesota the halftime advantage. Smith had 13 points in the first half, but scored only two points after halftime. Austin Hollins led the Golden Gophers with 17 points.
Minnesota (5-2) led by as many as seven points in the first half, using a stifling zone defense to limit Arkansas offensively. The Razorbacks led 11-5 after Bell's first 3-pointer, but Minnesota used a 13-2 run shortly after to take control.
The Razorbacks played loose after halftime, hitting 17 of 28 second half shots, several of which were around the basket. Arkansas led by as many as 17 points when Madden made two consecutive 3-pointers to give the Razorbacks a 76-59 cushion with 6:18 to play.
Minnesota pulled within 81-70 with 3:09 remaining, but Portis blocked a shot and had a key steal in the closing minutes to help preserve the Arkansas lead. Portis and fellow freshman Moses Kingsley combined for 19 points and 11 rebounds in extended playing time.
Arkansas will face No. 11 Gonzaga on Wednesday in the last game of the three-day event. The Bulldogs beat Chaminade 113-81 Tuesday.