FAYETTEVILLE — Calli Berna scored a career-high 22 points and added seven assists, leading Arkansas to a 97-58 season-opening win over Jackson State on Friday at Bud Walton Arena.
Tom Collen - Jackson State Postgame
Watch VideoBerna, a sophomore, connected on 5 of 6 attempts from 3-point range and helped the Razorbacks break out of a first half struggle with the Tigers. Arkansas trailed with 5:39 remaining in the first half, but used an 11-2 run just before halftime to take the lead for good.
The Razorbacks led 44-36 at the intermission and never let the Tigers within eight points after the break. Arkansas hit 21 of 33 baskets in the second half, including five from beyond the arc.
Quistelle Williams scored 17 points and Jhasmin Bowen added a double-double 14 points and 10 rebounds. Sarah Watkins, a preseason all-SEC selection, played only 12 minutes while limited with four personal fouls.
Senior Kelsey Hatcher and freshman Melissa Wolff each added career-highs with nine points. Hatcher connected on three 3-point attempts.
The game was Arkansas' only at home the first three weeks of the season. The Razorbacks have consecutive road games at Tulsa and Oral Roberts before a three-game event at the University of Hawaii on Thanksgiving weekend.