FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Interstat) — In a showcase of offensive firepower and defensive disruption, the Arkansas Razorbacks delivered a commanding performance Monday night, overwhelming the James Madison Dukes 103-74 in a nonconference men’s basketball game at a sold-out Bud Walton Arena.

A crowd of 19,200 watched the Razorbacks (10-3) shoot efficiently from the field and use a 20-5 first-half run to seize control, turning a tight early contest into a lopsided affair. The Dukes (7-7), despite a gritty effort from guard Bradley Douglas, could not match Arkansas’s depth or sustained intensity.

The game’s decisive stretch began with Arkansas leading 16-13 midway through the first half. Over the next five minutes, the Razorbacks unleashed a devastating blitz. Freshman guard Meleek Thomas, a Pittsburgh native, ignited the run with a 3-pointer. Forward Malique Ewin followed with a powerful dunk, and after a James Madison turnover, Thomas struck again from beyond the arc. The run was fueled by relentless defense, resulting in multiple Duke turnovers that Arkansas converted into easy transition baskets. By the time guard Darius Acuff Jr. connected on a 3-pointer with 10:14 left in the half, the Razorbacks had built a 35-18 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime.

Thomas led all scorers with 28 points, showcasing a smooth shooting stroke and offensive versatility in just 26 minutes of action. Acuff, from Detroit, orchestrated the offense with 17 points and six assists, while Ewin provided a major interior presence with 11 points and two blocks. The Razorbacks’ balanced attack also featured 14 points from DJ Wagner and eight points with six assists from Billy Richmond.

James Madison was led by Bradley Douglas of Eustis, Florida, who fought for a team-high 19 points and four assists in 35 minutes. Forward Justin McBride added 13 points for the Dukes, who shot poorly from the floor and struggled to handle Arkansas’s defensive pressure, committing numerous turnovers that led to 29 Razorback points.

Arkansas led 48-28 at halftime and continued to extend its advantage in the second half, with the lead ballooning to as many as 32 points. The Razorbacks’ defensive effort was highlighted by seven total blocks, including two each from Ewin and Trevon Brazile, who also scored eight points.

The victory extends Arkansas’s strong start to the season as it prepares to open Southeastern Conference play. James Madison, which has lost three of its last four games, now looks ahead to its Sun Belt Conference schedule.

Arkansas next hosts Tennessee on Saturday to begin league action. James Madison travels to face Arkansas State on the same day.