NORTH LITTLE ROCK — Bobby Portis scored a game-high 24 points in Arkansas' 84-67 win over Southeast Missouri State on Saturday.
Playing in front of his hometown crowd, Portis matched a season-high in scoring as the Razorbacks improved to 8-2 overall. The sophomore also had a team-high nine rebounds.
Arkansas pulled away late in the second half after the Redhawks pulled within 51-44 on a Jarekious Bradley jumper with 13:37 remaining. SEMO began the second half on a 14-4 run.
Portis made a lay-up to spark a 8-1 Razorbacks run that helped put the game away. The run included a putback dunk by Alandise Harris and a jumper by Anton Beard, also Little Rock natives.
The Razorbacks made 51 percent of their field goals and were 21 of 29 at the free throw line. Michael Qualls made 8 of 9 free throws and finished the game with 15 points.
Anthlon Bell added 12 points for Arkansas. Bell made two 3-pointers in the final minute of the first half to help the Razorbacks build a 45-28 halftime lead.
Arkansas led by as many as 23 points in the second half.
Bradley led SEMO with 17 points. Antonius Cleveland added 13 points and Nino Johnson scored 12 points and had 11 rebounds.
Arkansas will play Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Monday at Bud Walton Arena.