FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas basketball team opened the 2023-2024 season with a 93-59 win over Alcorn State. The Razorbacks have won 48 of their last 50 season opening games.
The first Arkansas basket of the season was a Trevon Brazile flush. It was Brazile's first official points after recovering from a torn ACL. Brazile had nine points and five rebounds with a made three pointer in the first half.
Five different Razorbacks combined to score the team's first ten points. Jalen Graham made his return to action after missing both exhibition games with back spasms.
Eric Musselman played ten different players in the first half. The Hogs had 16 points off the bench. Tramon Mark had a game high 13 first half points, Khalif Battle had twelve.
Arkansas had a 46-22 lead at the half after shooting 59% from the field.
Brazile would be ejected in the second half after coming off the bench following a scuffle between the two teams.
The Hogs outscored Alcorn State, 47-37 in the second half to cruise to victory. Battle finished with a game-high 21 points and three Razorbacks finished in double-figures.
Arkansas shot 52% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Mark went 4-6 from three-point land and had 16 points in his Razorback debut.
Twelve different players scored in the win. The defense forced 15 turnovers, resulting in 22 points.
Hogs fans were sure happy to see the team back on the hardwood. Fans were especially excited to see Trevon Brazile.
"Trevon Brazile man, he's electric.." Said AJ Yost, a huge Hogs fan.
Many of the fans predicted a big tournament run, as well in March.
"The Sweet 16 is my expectation this year, but I think this team has the talent and the experience to go pretty far." Fan Drake Henry said.
"We're going all the way. There's no shot that we're not at least making it to the Elite Eight." Fan Parker Adams added.
Arkansas is back in action Friday at 7 p.m. to host Gardner-Webb.