NOAH TRISTER, Associated Press
Nov. 14, 2009 —
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rotnei Clarke set a Southeastern Conference record with 13 3-pointers, part of a scintillating 51-point performance in Arkansas' 130-68 win over Alcorn State on Friday night.
The former Verdigris standout made nine of his 3-pointers in the first half as the Razorbacks built a 71-26 lead in their first game after a tumultuous offseason. Arkansas (1-0) was missing five suspended players in its season opener against Alcorn State (0-2), but the small crowd at Bud Walton Arena had plenty to cheer about.
Clarke also broke the school scoring record, eclipsing Martin Terry's mark of 47 points, and the SEC record for 3-pointers held by Arkansas' Al Dillard, who had 12.
Jemal Farmer added 28 points for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas won only two SEC games last season, and less than three months ago, three players were accused of rape.
No charges were filed after an investigation, but coach John Pelphrey said his athletes should be held to a higher standard of conduct.
He suspended each for multiple games, though he didn't say why.Two other players were suspended indefinitely for reasons the team wouldn't disclose.
With the program in desperate need of something to feel good about, Clarke delivered. The sophomore finished 15-of-21 from the field and 13-of-17 from 3-point range. He scored 31 points in the first half.
Clarke made his first seven shots, all from 3-point range. When he missed for the first time, a few fans in the student section started applauding politely, as if they'd just seen a pitcher lose a no-hitter.
The crowd gave the Razorbacks a standing ovation at halftime, and Clarke received a small one after scoring his 48th point on a free throw.
His final points came on a 3-pointer after a nifty crossover dribble, and he exchanged an exuberant chest bump with teammate Marshawn Powell near midcourt.
Farmer had 12 rebounds and six assists to go with his 28 points, and Powell added 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Tony Eackles led Alcorn State with 15 points.
ARKANSAS 130, ALCORN ST. 68
ALCORN ST. 26 42 — 68
ARKANSAS 71 59 — 130
ALCORN ST. (0-2): Francis 4, Ragland 7, Holt 8, Boyd 12, Searcy 9, Savannah 2, Anthony 2, Ingram 3, Eackles 15, Starks 2, Blakely 4.
ARKANSAS (1-0): Farmer 28, Powell 17, Washington 14, Clarke 51, Nobles 8, Mitchell 4, Johnson 6, Lay 2.
3-point goals: Alcorn St. 6-22 (Eackles 4-5, Boyd 2-9-1-1-1-2-3), Arkansas 16-30 (Clarke 13-17, Nobles 1-1, Farmer 1-3, Washington 1-3-1-2-3).
Fouled out: Martin, Ragland.
Rebounds: Alcorn St. 39 (Holt 8), Arkansas 45 (Farmer 12).
Assists: Alcorn St. 5 (Searcy 3), Arkansas 26 (Nobles 9).
Total fouls: Alcorn St. 30, Arkansas 25. A: 12,067
