Barford, Gafford lead Arkansas past No. 14 Minnesota, 95-79
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.—Jaylen Barford was still learning what major college basketball was all about a year ago as a first-year junior college transfer when Arkansas went to Minnesota and lost by 14 points.
This time around, the Razorbacks senior had a clear idea of how to attack the 14th-ranked Golden Gophers—and he had plenty of help along the way.
Led by Barford's 22 points, Arkansas (7-2) returned the favor from last year's loss with a 95-79 victory over Minnesota on Saturday night. It did so while continuing what's been nothing short of an offensive onslaught in Bud Walton Arena to open the season, raising its home scoring average to 93.2 points per game with the win.
Barford entered the game second in the Southeastern Conference in scoring at 19.6 points per game, and he finished 9 of 15 from the field—adding four rebounds and four assists. The 6-foot-3 senior also hit two 3-pointers and had a block while making amends for last year.
"I think it was just having the experience and maturity level of our game, and just taking our time and being more poised this year," Barford said. "Last year was our first road game, and (we thought) things were going to be a cakewalk, and it wasn't."
While Barford brought plenty of experience to the court, Arkansas' newest rising star fared just well while making the first start of his career.
Freshman Daniel Gafford had 16 points on 8-of-8 shooting, and the 6-foot-11 forward added seven rebounds and six blocks while facing a talented Minnesota (8-3) front line. He did so in only 21 minutes and helped the Razorbacks hit 39 of 68 shots (57.4 per-
cent) for the game.
During one second-half possession, Gafford swatted two straight shots by the Gophers and added to his growing highlight with three dunks—bringing his season total to 21 in nine games.
"If he works hard and he's a good kid, (Gafford) could be a first-round pick," Minnesota coach Richard Pitino said.
The loss is the third in the last four games for the Golden Gophers, who lost earlier in the week at Nebraska . Jordan Murphy led Minnesota with 20 points and 10 rebounds, Amir Coffey had 18 points and Nate Mason 17 in the loss.
The Gophers shot 41 percent (25 of 61) in their first road game against an SEC opponent since a loss at Georgia in 2001.
"Certainly we have our deficiencies we have to fix, but the sky's not falling," Pitino said.