Arkansas held off Gonzaga for a 76‑72 victory in its exhibition opener at Bud Walton Arena, providing Fayetteville residents with an early glimpse of the Razorbacks’ potential heading into the upcoming season. According to 4029tv.com, the game does not count toward either team’s official record, but the competitive play offered local fans a preview of the roster’s strengths and challenges.
The Razorbacks trailed by as many as 10 points late in the first half, with Gonzaga leading 36‑26 with two minutes remaining. Arkansas responded with a 9‑0 run to close the half, cutting the Bulldogs’ lead to a single point, 36‑35, at halftime. The physical exhibition featured a turnover‑filled first half for Arkansas, but the team used the momentum shift to take control early in the second period.
After the break, Arkansas outscored Gonzaga 15‑3 over the first seven minutes, establishing a decisive lead. The Razorbacks extended the advantage to 66‑58 with 5:31 remaining, and despite a late push from Gonzaga, Arkansas withstood the rally to secure the win. Billy Richmond III led the Razorbacks with a team‑high 17 points, as reported by 4029tv.com.
The game also saw several concerning moments for Arkansas. Cooper Bowser took a hard fall, and Miikka Muurinen briefly left the floor before returning. The biggest scare occurred with 13:19 left when freshman guard Jordan Smith Jr. went down on a fast break, appearing unable to put weight on his right leg. Smith received assistance from teammate Ronnie Brewer and a team trainer before being escorted to the locker room. He later returned to the bench and checked back into the game, easing immediate concerns about his injury.
Local supporters praised the team’s resilience and the excitement generated by the close contest. While the exhibition result does not affect season standings, the win against a ranked Gonzaga squad (listed as No. 15) suggests the Razorbacks are capable of competing at a high level. The game’s intensity and the players’ ability to overcome early setbacks were highlighted as positive signs for the program.
What’s next: Arkansas will continue its preseason schedule with additional exhibition matchups before the regular season begins. Fans are encouraged to attend upcoming games at Bud Walton Arena to follow the team’s progress and see how the roster develops further.
Sources: 4029tv.com
