FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) Michael Qualls made sure Arkansas was able to hold off a feisty Northwestern State in the second half.
Qualls had a career-high 28 points, 20 in the second half, as Arkansas overcame Northwestern State's potent guard combination for a 100-92 win on Sunday.
The win is the fourth straight for the Razorbacks (10-2), who also had 22 points and a career-best 12 rebounds from sophomore Bobby Portis - the sixth straight game he's scored at least 18 points.
Qualls, whose previous best was a 22-point effort earlier this season against North Texas, was 9 of 16 from the field and also had seven rebounds. Ky Madden added 12 points and eight assists, while Jacorey Williams had 12 points for Arkansas.
Jalan West had 25 points, seven assists and five rebounds for the Demons (4-6), while Zeek Woodley finished with 21 points.
Led by Portis, the Razorbacks outrebounded Northwestern State 45-32, including 22 offensive rebounds and 23 second-chance points.
West entered the game leading the country in assists with 8.6 per game, while Woodley was second in scoring with an average of 23.3 points.
With professional scouts in Bud Walton Arena, the duo didn't disappoint - finishing with a combined 46 points as the Demons were only down 88-84 late in the game after a pair of West free throws.
Portis, however, quickly hit a jumper to put Arkansas back up by six, and Anthlon Bell - who finished with nine points - followed with a jumper to extend the lead to 92-84 and put the wild up-and-down affair out of reach.
Woodley was 10-of-19 shooting, while West hit all nine of his free throw attempts as he fell three points short of matching his season high of 28 points against Louisiana Tech on Dec. 2.
The Demons jumped out a 7-0 lead after back-to-back baskets by West, and they led 13-12 after another drive by the quick 5-foot-10 guard.
Williams then started an 8-0 run for the Razorbacks with a three-point play. Moses Kingsley finished the run with an inside basket to put Arkansas up 20-13, and the Razorbacks never trailed again - though they were unable to put away Northwestern State until the end.
TIP-INS
Portis was 9 of 16 from the field, and the preseason All-Southeastern Conference selection has now scored in double figures in all but one game this season. Either he or Qualls have also led Arkansas in scoring in all but one game.
UP NEXT
Northwestern State returns home for its final nonconference game against Louisiana College on Wednesday.
Arkansas is off for the remainder of the year before hosting Utah Valley on Jan. 3 - the Razorbacks final nonconference game before SEC play.
