Live Updates: Arkansas Razorbacks Take On Gonzaga Bulldogs To Open Exhibition Play

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FAYETTEVILLE — It's a beautiful day in Northwest Arkansas as the No. 12 Razorbacks are set to host the No. 15 Gonzaga Bulldogs at Bud Walton Arena.
With the lower bowl around 80% capacity, Arkansas fans received third-year coach John Calipari with a standing ovation as he walked on the hardwood of Nolan Richardson Court.
The Hogs take the floor: pic.twitter.com/wAik8hUZQt
— Samuel Stubbs (@SamMageeStubbs) October 24, 2026
Refresh throughout the game for live updates.
Second Half
16:21: Richmond drives to the paint and draws a foul from Gonzaga's Diop. Arkansas appears to be more in control on the offensive end through the first three minutes.
Gonzaga still hasn't scored since the 2:14 mark of the first half.
Arkansas leads 44-36 as Thompson drives to the rim, shields the ball and his drills a short floater.
Arkansas fans loving what they’re seeing through the first four minutes of the second half.
— Jacob Davis (@jacobdaviscfb) October 24, 2026
Hogs lead the Zags 44-36 with 15:51 to go. #wps pic.twitter.com/x8eiDMilDv
18:35: Andrews goes 1-for-2 at the free throw line, but helps Arkansas extend it's lead to 39-36. Kind of surprising to see Thompson out there at point guard early on with Smith on the bench.
3.3 seconds, first half: Arkansas forces a turnover and Smith drives down the floor but his shot attempt is blocked.
The Hogs head to the locker room down a point, 36-35.
28.2 seconds, first half: Smith's driving layup was no good, but JJ Andrews was there for the putback as Arkansas pulls within one.
Gonzaga leads 36-35.
1:25, first quarter: Arkansas fell behind by 10, but a quick five point spurt by the Razorbacks with a reverse layup by Muurinen pulls Arkansas back within five.
Toure finds himself loose in the open floor and was fouled going up for a dunk.
Gonzaga leads 36-33.
6:07, first half: Arkansas' defense finally allowed them to get out in transition as 30-foot lob to a rising Richmond was recedived with a huge pop from the crowd. The Razorbacks are insanely long and will certainly cause problems throughout the year.
Gonzaga leads 26-23.
It seems like each time the Razorbacks pull within a bucket of taking the lead, Gonzaga has an answer on the other end. Smith has been held scoreless so far, but has seen a few of his shots go a little long off the opposite side of the rim, and that could be due to some freshman jitters.
Gonzaga 22, Arkansas 19 with 7:59 to go in the first half. Neither team is in a rhythm on offense, but Gonzaga has made fewer mistakes so far and that's why they're ahead.
— Samuel Stubbs (@SamMageeStubbs) October 24, 2026
8:47, first half: Fouls continue to be a problem in the first half for the Razorbacks as Gonzaga's Parker Jefferson has bullied his way to the basket. He goes 1-of-2 at the line and the Razorbacks get out in transition.
Jeremiah Wilkinson finds himself on the left wing and drills a three to pull his team with in one point, and the Bulldogs lead 20-19.
11:41, first half (media timeout): Toure rips off a three from the left wing to pull Arkansas within one, 13-12. The Razorbacks didn't quite get back on the other end as Gonzaga's Isaiah Harwell drives the lane for a dunk.
Gonzaga leads 15-12.
Arkansas with 6 turnovers 6 and a half minutes in. That needs to get cleaned up.
— Samuel Stubbs (@SamMageeStubbs) October 24, 2026
14:55, first half: Thompson drills a three pointer from the left wing. The lefty has such a pure stroke and is playing without fear in his first college game.
15:45, first half: (media timeout): Gonzaga has taken an 8-6 lead off a Muurinen turnover to avoid a five second call. The Bulldogs worked the ball to the corner but the pass sailed out of bounds.
Calipari puts in a new five with Davion Thompson, JJ Andrews, Abdou Toure, Maper Maker and Caleb Ourigou.
17:38, first half: Muurinen with another basket, this one from three. The Finland native has looked solid on the offense end in his first college game.
He's been a problem on the defensive end using his length to disrupt Gonzaga's interior offense.
18:16, first half: Richmond makes 1-of-2 shots at the free throw line and Arkansas implements their first full court press of the arternoon.
19:21, first half: Braden Huff of Gonzaga is at the line and misses both free throws. RIchmond with the rebound and Arkansas is looking for their first basket. Muurinen had a nice little one-on-one floater fall good from about 12 feet.
Arkansas leads 2-0.
20:00, first half: Arkansas controlled the tip and off the Razorbacks go with Jordan Smith, Jr. leading the way. Richmond's shot doesn't fall but the loose rebound went off a Gonzaga player.
Pregame introductions: Miikka Muurinen was met with a huge ovation, but Arkansas their best for last as junior wing Billy Richmond III was met with a standing ovation. He will be a huge impact on this team as their lone returnee from last year's Sweet 16 squad.
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Jacob Davis is the Publisher for Arkansas Razorbacks on SI, with a decade of experience covering college athletics. He has previously worked at Rivals, Saturday Down South, SB Nation and hosted podcasts with Bleav Podcast Network where his show was a finalist for podcast of the year.
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