Sports

Gafford Explodes for 27-12 Against New Orleans

Published

2 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Jax Sanford

Daniel Gafford finishing around the rim with a reverse lay up.

Daniel Gafford Shines in Close Loss to Pelicans: A Career-Defining Performance

In a hard-fought contest that saw the Dallas Mavericks fall just short 119-116 to the New Orleans Pelicans on January 15, 2025, Daniel Gafford delivered a career-defining performance, leading the team in scoring with 27 points, along with 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. His impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable as he stepped up in the absence of the 2 Dallas superstars, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

Mavericks Struggle to Find Rhythm

Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy also rose to the challenge. Dinwiddie contributed 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, while Hardy added 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Their performances were critical in keeping the Mavericks competitive in the absence of their two stars, but despite their efforts, the team was unable to close out the game, falling short by just three points.

The Mavericks’ struggle to secure a win was compounded by the absence of Dončić and Irving, leaving the team without their primary offensive engines. However, Gafford’s strong performance, particularly his offensive efficiency and rebounding, showed that the team still had the ability to compete at a high level.

Gafford’s offensive game was on full display, mixing powerful dunks, crafty finishes around the rim, and short-range jumpers. His efficiency kept Dallas within striking distance, but crucial stretches in the game saw the Mavericks unable to capitalize on key moments. Gafford also pulled down 12 rebounds—several of which were offensive boards—that helped provide valuable second-chance opportunities. On the defensive end, Gafford was a standout, registering two key blocks that disrupted the Pelicans’ flow.

One of the most electrifying moments of the game came with 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter when Daniel Gafford Slams Alley-oop from Naji Marshall. The play was a highlight-reel dunk that energized the team and the crowd, showcasing why they call him “The Landlord.” Gafford’s hustle immediately afterward showed his determination to keep the pressure on New Orleans in the final stretch.

Going Forward For The Mavs and DG

While Gafford’s performance was impressive, the loss highlighted the Mavericks’ ongoing struggles in clutch situations. Despite strong individual efforts, their inability to finish the game is a concern moving forward. Gafford’s growth as a player was evident, but he alone couldn’t carry the team to victory. His two assists, in particular, reflected his growing understanding of the game and his role as a playmaker, but more support from the team was needed to secure the win.

The loss, though disappointing, emphasized the need for the Mavericks to find ways to close out games without their stars. As the trade deadline approaches, the team must carefully evaluate how they can strengthen their roster to compete at the highest level once Dončić and Irving return to the fold.

As Gafford continues to build on this performance, the Mavericks are reminded of his value. His combination of skill, athleticism, and defensive presence makes him an important piece in Dallas’ future. But with 13 games already scoring 15+ points this season—including three games with 20+ points—Gafford has shown that, while he is a reliable contributor, the Mavericks’ future success hinges on the contributions of the entire team, especially in high-pressure situations.

At 26 years old, Gafford’s continued development will be crucial to the Mavericks’ long-term plans, but the team will need to find ways to finish games and secure victories moving forward.

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Boys & Girls Club Announce Baseball Signups

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Sports

Boys & Girls Club Announce Baseball Signups

Published

11 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Sandy Sanford

El Dorado – Boys and Girls Club of Union County Executive Director David Lee has announced the signups for the 2025 Baseball Season have opened. Cost is $70 per player if they are signed up by February 16th. There will be a late sign up period from February 17th – 23rd with a $25 late fee. Divisions being offered are: • T-Ball (ages 3-4)

• T-Ball (ages 5-6)

• Coach Pitch (ages 7-8)

• 10 & Under

• 12 & Under

The child’s age as of April 30th, 2025 determines which division they play in. Season begins April 7th and for more information contact George Cotterman at 870.86.8753 ext 102.

Sports

SouthArk Stars triumphant in early week matchup

Published

2 days ago

January 14, 2025

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO – In an exciting matchup on January 13, 2025, at the Star Arena, South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk) secured an 89-78 victory over Arkansas State Mid-South. Strong team play and standout individual performances propelled SouthArk to their triumph in front of a lively home crowd.

SouthArk took control early, outscoring Arkansas State Mid-South 43-31 in the first half. Although the visitors narrowed the gap in the second half with a 47-point effort, it wasn’t enough to overcome SouthArk’s consistent scoring and defensive strength. Key contributors included Lavion Owens, who led all scorers with 25 points while also grabbing 10 rebounds for a double-double. Jakourion Key added 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals, and Braylon Haynes chipped in 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. SouthArk shot an efficient 48.5% from the field and a solid 44.8% from beyond the arc.

Despite the loss, Arkansas State Mid-South showed determination in the second half, but their efforts fell short against SouthArk’s balanced attack. With this win, South Arkansas Community College continues to showcase their potential and build momentum as they progress through the season.

Sports

Arkansas looks for first SEC win

Published

5 days ago

January 11, 2025

Staff Reports

Who: rv/rv Arkansas Razorbacks (11-4, 0-2 SEC) vs #8/8 Florida Gators (14-1, 1-1 SEC)
What: For the first time in program history, Arkansas opens league play (SEC and SWC) versus three-straight, top-25 teams.
When: Saturday – Jan. 11 – 3:00 pm (CT)
Where: Fayetteville, Ark. • Bud Walton Arena/Nolan Richardson Court (19,200)
How (to follow):
– TV/Stream: ESPN / Watch ESPN (Karl Ravech and Jimmy Dykes)
– Radio: Learfield Razorback Sports Network (Chuck Barrett and Matt Zimmerman)
– Sirius/XM: Sirius: 84 / XM: 84 || SXM App Channel 84
– Arkansas Gameday App
– Live Stats

– Arkansas Game Notes
– Florida Game Notes
– SEC Notes/Stats

FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas will close its two-game homestand by hosting #8 Florida on Saturday (Jan. 11). Tipoff is set for 3 pm (CT) and the game will be televised on ESPN.

Next week, Arkansas plays a pair of road games starting at LSU on Tuesday (Jan. 14) with tipoff set for 8 pm (CT).

NOTES:

Versus Florida

Arkansas and Florida have met on 39 previous occasions, all since the Razorbacks entered the SEC for the 1991-92 season.
Florida owns a 27-15 advantage in the series overall. However, Arkansas leads 10-7 in games played in Fayetteville, including a two-game winning streak.
Last year, Florida won 90-68 in Gainesville. Arkansas got off to a slow start but used a 12-3 run to cut its deficit to 10 after a Joseph Pinion fastbreak basket with 6:56 left in the first half. However, Florida opened the second half with an 11-4 run to push its lead to 20 and never looked back. Florida, which led the NCAA in rebounding, held a 48-31 advantage on the boards including 15 offensive boards to out-score Arkansas 17-8 on second-chance points.

Playing #8

This will be the second time this year Arkansas has faced a team ranked #$8 in the AP poll. In game two, then #16 Arkansas lost to then #8 Baylor, 72-67, in Dallas.
All-time, Arkansas is 3-6 versus AP #8 teams.
However, Coach Calipari is 7-2 all-time versus AP #8 teams. (2-0 at UMass • 1-0 at Memphis • 4-1 at Kentucky • 0-1 at Arkansas)

Arkansas Has Tough Opening Stretch

Arkansas opened the SEC slate at #1 Tennessee, hosted #23 Ole Miss on Wednesday and hosts #8 Florida on Saturday.
The Razorbacks have never opened conference action (SEC nor SWC) by facing three-straight, top 25 opponents. The closest was playing three ranked opponents in games 2, 3 and 4 to open the 2022-23 SEC season. In 1999-00, Arkansas closed the regular season by facing six-straight, top-25 opponents (going 2-4) vs #11 Florida (L, 80-71) on Feb. 15, vs #16 LSU (L, 78-67) on Feb. 19, vs #24 Vanderbilt (W, 78-63), at #18 Kentucky (L, 60-55) on Feb. 26, at #11 Tennessee (L, 73-66) and vs #19 Auburn (W, 64-55).
The last time Arkansas played three-straight, top-25 opponents was twice in the 2022-23 season. First, games 2, 3 and 4 of the of the 2022-23 conference season, Arkansas faced #20 Missouri (W, 74-68) on Jan. 4, played at #22 Auburn (L, 72-59) on Jan. 7 and hosted #4 Alabama (L, 84-69) on Jan. 11. Later, the Razorbacks closed the regular season by playing at #2 Alabama (L, 86-83) on Feb. 25, at #2 Tennessee (L, 75-57) on Feb. 28 and vs #23 Kentucky (L, 88-79) on Mar. 4.
Overall, Arkansas has only played at least three-straight, top-25 opponents in the regular season 8 times including twice in 2022-23 (see above), once in 2002-03 (at #4 Florida, vs #22 Alabama, at #23 Miss State), once in 2001-02 (at #15 Georgia, vs #5 Florida, at #7 Alabama), once (technically twice) in 1999-00 (see above), once in 1998-99 (at #23 Florida, vs #6 Kentucky, vs #2 Auburn), once in 1990 Preseason NIT (vs #15 Oklahoma, vs #6 Duke, vs #3 Arizona) and once in 1980 Alaska Shootout (#11 Mizzou, #12 LSU, #13 North Carolina).

Some Good News

In 2022-23, when Arkansas played three straight, top-25 teams in games 2, 3, and 4 of the SEC season, the Razorbacks went 1-2 by beating #20 Mizzou and losing to #22 Auburn and #4 Alabama. Overall, Arkansas started that season 1-5 in league play but finished the year by making its third-straight Sweet 16.
In 2021-22, Arkansas started league play 0-3 but finished 13-5 in the league and reached the NCAA Elite 8.
In 2020-21, Arkansas started league play 1-3 to start and was 2-4 in the league after six conference game. The Hogs won its final 13 league games, finishing 13-4 in the SEC, and reached the NCAA Elite 8.
The SEC has had at least one team make the NCAA Tournament field during five of the last six seasons after an 0-2 conference start when the Big Dance has been held including Florida (2024) • Texas A&M (2024) • Miss State (2023) • Arkansas (2022) • Mississippi State (2019) • Tennessee (2018) • Texas A&M( 2018)

Adou is Now #1

Adou Thiero, who was 7-of-12 from the field versus Ole Miss, now leads the SEC, and ranks 20th in the NCAA, in field goal percentage at 60.8%. He has shot over 60% from the field in 8 of his 14 games. He is shooting an impressive 68.6% (81-118) from inside the 3-point arc.
Last time out, Thiero led the team with 17 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Thiero has led the team in scoring a team-best seven times, led the team in rebounding a team-best eight times and led the team in steals a team-best seven times.

For more information on Arkansas Men’s Basketball, follow @RazorbackMBB on X.