Large Crowd Welcomes Inaugural Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A crowd exceeding 3,000 fans packed into teh Jack Stephens Center Friday night for the inaugural central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic, a collaborative event between the Little Rock Trojans and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions. The evening featured a split-decision, with the Little Rock women’s team securing a 52-50 victory, while the UAPB men prevailed 77-69.
The Tip-Off Classic was established to promote college basketball throughout the region, and Friday’s attendance suggests it’s poised to become an annual tradition. The event also served as a tribute to the 2010-11 Little Rock Trojans men’s basketball team, which reached the NCAA Tournament and was led by current UAPB head coach Solomon Bozeman.
In a tightly contested women’s game, Little Rock graduate student Jordan Holman led all scorers and proved crucial in the final minutes. Her three-pointer with 5:16 remaining gave the Trojans a 48-47 advantage, and a subsequent free throw extended the lead. After UAPB narrowed the gap to one point late in the game, Brenna Burk secured the win by chasing down a tipped ball, drawing a foul, and converting a free throw.
On the men’s side, Tuongthach Gatkek paced Little Rock with 18 points and six rebounds, while Cameron Wallace contributed 14 points and khasen Robinson added 11. Despite a strong second-half rally after trailing by double digits at halftime, the Trojans were unable to overcome the Golden Lions.
Little Rock’s men’s basketball team will next host Arkansas Tech in an exhibition game on Tuesday, October 28, at 7 p.m. The women’s team will open their regular season on Monday, November 3, at 7 p.m. against Central Baptist College. The men’s regular season begins the following night against Arkansas Baptist College.
Tickets and season packages are available at lrtrojans.com or by calling the Trojan Ticket Office at 501-916-3257.
