UA cruises in lively opener

Arkansas' Malica Monk goes up for a layup during a game against Sam Houston State on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, in Fayetteville.
Arkansas' Malica Monk goes up for a layup during a game against Sam Houston State on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas turned its season-opener into child's play before a lively crowd on "Elementary Day" at Walton Arena.

Hundreds of schoolchildren raised the noise level for the Razorbacks, who jumped to a 25-6 lead and rolled to a 71-39 victory over Sam Houston State. Jessica Jackson scored 20 points to lead the way for Arkansas, which used a 16-0 run in the first quarter to turn the game into a rout.

"We have been working a lot on defense," Jackson said. "The majority of the time we haven't really been doing a lot of offense. It's been defense. That's what we are going on, and that's what we pride ourselves on."

A crowd of 4,277 gave a loud cheer after the national anthem when players and coaches from both teams stood before the flag on Veterans Day. The scene was different from a week ago when six Arkansas women took a knee to protest against perceived racial injustices and police brutality toward minorities.

Their actions set off a backlash that was quieted earlier this week when the Arkansas women and Coach Jimmy Dykes said the six will now stand for the national anthem. The women pledged to voice their concerns through the formation of a community program called "Project Unify," which is intended to raise awareness and encourage discussions about social issues.

"I am very pleased with how this team continues to support one another, and then they quickly got their attention on this basketball game," Dykes said. "It showed from the opening tip. They were dialed in and really playing good basketball."

Alecia Cooley and Malica Monk added 12 points apiece for Arkansas, which led 34-14 at halftime.

Bailey Zimmerman connected on a three-pointer to begin the scoring, and Arkansas soon followed with a 14-0 surge to lead 25-6 after one quarter. The pace slowed in the second quarter, but Arkansas held a 34-14 lead at halftime behind Monk, who had 10 points on two free throws and 4-of-4 shooting from the field.

Sam Houston State made only three baskets in each quarter of the first half. Jasmine McCants managed six points in the first half for the Bearcats, which were 6 of 26 from the floor.

McCants finished with 11 points for Sam Houston State, which plays in the Southland Conference. The Bearcats finished 14-18 last season.

Arkansas will continue its four-game homestand Sunday against Louisiana-Monroe at 2 p.m. The Razorbacks will then play South Dakota State and Stetson before facing Memphis in the Nugget Classic in Reno, Nev., on Nov. 25.

Sports on 11/12/2016

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