Get ready for a thrilling basketball story that will have you on the edge of your seat!
The Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic: A Night to Remember
In a highly anticipated event, the inaugural Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic took place at the Jack Stephens Center, and it did not disappoint. With a crowd of over 3,000 fans, the atmosphere was electric as two local programs, Little Rock and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, faced off in an exhibition doubleheader.
But here's where it gets interesting... this wasn't just a regular basketball game. It was a celebration of the sport and a tribute to the rich history of college basketball in the region. The night featured performances by both schools' dance teams, adding a vibrant energy to the already buzzing arena.
And this is the part most people miss: the special tribute to the 2010-11 NCAA Tournament team, led by the legendary Solomon Bozeman. Bozeman, now the head coach at UAPB, was a star in his own right during that season, and his presence added an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The women's game kicked off the evening, and it was a nail-biter! Little Rock's women's team pulled off a thrilling 52-50 victory, with graduate student Jordan Holman leading the charge. Holman's clutch three-pointer with just over five minutes left gave Little Rock the lead, and her teammate, Brenna Burk, sealed the deal with a free throw in the final minutes.
In the men's contest, Tuongthach Gatkek and his teammates put up a strong fight. Gatkek, a senior forward, scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Cameron Wallace and Khasen Robinson contributed 14 and 11 points, respectively. Although the Trojans fell short in the end, losing 77-69, their second-half comeback attempt was a sight to behold.
This inaugural event has set the bar high for future classics. With such a large and enthusiastic crowd, it's clear that this annual gathering will become a must-attend for basketball enthusiasts in the region.
Little Rock's men will continue their exhibition season on October 28, hosting Arkansas Tech, while the women's team opens their regular season on November 3 against Central Baptist College. The men's regular season begins the following night against Arkansas Baptist College.
Don't miss out on the action! Get your tickets and season packages at lrtrojans.com or call the Trojan Ticket Office.
Will the Trojans bounce back from their exhibition loss? Will the women's team continue their winning streak? The answers await at the next Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic!
And remember, in the world of sports, anything can happen. So, what do you think? Will this classic become a staple in the basketball calendar? Let's discuss in the comments!
