by By Mario Bravante
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 22 Arkansas Women’s Basketball opened its season with an 82-52 win over New Orleans on Friday morning. The Hogs secured their first win of the 2019-20 campaign in front of 6,801 fans, which ranks as the 22nd biggest crowd to ever watch a women’s hoops game at Bud Walton Arena.
Junior forward Taylah Thomas was dominant against New Orleans, pulling down 21 rebounds (14 defensive and 7 offensive), just one board shy of the Arkansas all-time record (22, Shelly Wallace, vs. SMU, 2/13/88). It was also nine more rebounds than Thomas’ previous high of 12 (11/25/18).
Redshirt junior guard Chelsea Dungee (Cherokee) led the Hogs in scoring, going for 22 points. Four others joined Dungee in double-figures: redshirt junior guard Amber Ramirez (12), senior guard Alexis Tolefree (11), freshman guard Makayla Daniels (11), and Thomas (10).
TURNING POINT
Arkansas got off to a hot start, opening the first period on a 15-2 run. Dungee, Ramirez and Thomas got to work early, as the trio combined for 17 of the Hogs’ first 19 points. Ramirez was especially good in the early going, scoring nine points, all of which came from beyond the arc, during her first quarter as a Hog.
Head Coach Mike Neighbors’ squad would create separation by the end of the quarter, as they led 26-12 after one.
HOG HIGHLIGHTS
- Thomas nearly broke the Arkansas all-time record for rebounding, pulling down 21 boards.
- It was also the first career double-double for Thomas (10 points, 21 rebounds).
- Going back to last season, Dungee has now scored in double-digits in 18 straight contests.
- Dungee nearly had a double-double herself, as she pulled down eight rebounds. She also led the team in assists (4).
NEXT TIME OUT
Arkansas returns to Bud Walton on Monday night, as the Hogs are set to take on McNeese State. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be stremable on SECN+.
