FAYETTEVILLE, AR — No. 25 Arkansas used a late run to break away from the Iona College men’s basketball in non-conference action in the bd Global Roundball Showcase at Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks scored 17 of 21 points during a 3:48 span with less than eight minutes to play to earn the hard fought win. The Gaels led by as many as eight points in the opening 20 minutes but succumbed to Arkansas’ trademark pressure during the pivotal stretch.
Senior David Laury led the Gaels with 25 points and 14 rebounds for his second straight double-double. Junior A.J. English matched the point total, shooting 7-of-11 from the field, 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, and 7-for-9 from the free throw line while adding three rebounds and two assists. Junior Kelvin Amayo posted a career-best 13 points with seven assists and six boards. Junior Isaiah Williams added nine points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two assists.
Arkansas’ Anthlon Bell and Michael Qualls each had 20 points to lead the home team. Qualls added nine rebounds and three assists. Point guard Rashad Madden had 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Bobby Portis had 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Gaels out shot Arkansas 43.1%-41.0% and were out rebounded 51-40. Iona also recorded a season-high 18 turnovers including 11 in the first half.
Iona opens MAAC play next Sunday (Dec. 7) at burgeoning MAAC rival Monmouth in West Long Branch, NJ. The Gaels and Hawks square off in game two of a doubleheader featuring the school’s women’s programs.