Trevon Brazile returns as Arkansas men’s basketball routs UT-Tyler in exhibition

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas men’s basketball thrilled fans with an impressive performance in their first exhibition game of the season.

The No. 14 Razorbacks dominated UT-Tyler with a resounding 92-39 victory at Bud Walton Arena. Seven different Razorbacks contributed at least eight points to the team’s impressive win.

Arkansas’s final exhibition game is against No. 3 Purdue on Oct. 28, with their season-opener against Alcorn State slated for Nov. 6.

Now, let’s dive into some key takeaways from Arkansas’s first exhibition game:

Trevon Brazile’s Return

Trevon Brazile made a triumphant return after a 318-day wait since his ACL injury against UNC-Greensboro in 2022. Despite some expected rustiness, Brazile, who was named to the Preseason All-SEC First Team, showed glimpses of his talent during the game. He scored four points and grabbed three rebounds, highlighting his athleticism with a powerful two-handed dunk in the second half.

Khalif Battle, a transfer from Temple, also made an appearance after sitting out the Red-White Scrimmage due to a foot injury. Battle played for 14 minutes and delivered an impressive 14 points.

Unfortunately, Jalen Graham was unable to participate in Friday’s exhibition due to back spasms.

El Ellis’ Speed Takes Center Stage

El Ellis, a Louisville transfer, demonstrated excellent speed and secured his position as Arkansas’s starting point guard. In the previous Red-White Scrimmage, he displayed his versatility and strong offensive instincts. Against UT-Tyler, Ellis showcased his quickness by scoring seven early points, finishing with a total of nine points, four assists, and three rebounds. His ability to maintain a balanced tempo and execute in the half-court sets him apart.

Shooting Success and Struggles

The Razorbacks’ three-point shooting performance will be closely monitored this season, as they ranked 318th in the country with a 31.3% shooting percentage in 2022. In the game against UT-Tyler, the team made 11 of 32 attempts from beyond the arc. Notably, Jeremiah Davenport, a transfer from Cincinnati, and sophomore Joseph Pinion showcased their shooting abilities by going 3-for-7 each. Their contributions provided vital scoring bursts for the team.

Dominant Defense

While tougher opponents lie ahead, Arkansas’s defense looked stellar from the start. They held UT-Tyler to a mere 24.5% shooting, including a 1-for-20 mark from three-point range. Additionally, the Razorbacks forced 20 turnovers. The defensive duo of Davonte Davis and Tramon Mark proved to be a formidable force, making it difficult for opponents to score. Although it’s just the beginning of a long season, few teams in the SEC or across the nation can boast a better defensive pairing.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Trevon Brazile returns, Arkansas basketball routs UT-Tyler in exhibition