David Jones Shines: Memphis Upsets No. 20 Arkansas in Battle 4 Atlantis Semifinals

In a stunning upset at the Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas, Memphis' fourth-year wing, David Jones, delivered a career-high performance, scoring an impressive 36 points to lead the Tigers to an 84-79 victory over No. 20 Arkansas. This victory propels Memphis into the championship game against Villanova after a thrilling semifinal clash.

Jones showcased his prowess, hitting 10 of 14 field goals and an impressive 12 of 14 free throws. His exceptional performance also included five steals, emphasizing his impact on both ends of the court. This victory marks Memphis' first win against Arkansas since January 3, 2003, adding to the significance of the triumph.

Nick Jourdain contributed 12 points, while Jaykwon Walton added 11, complementing Jones' standout performance. The Tigers, now 5-0, displayed resilience and determination against a formidable Arkansas team, setting the stage for an exciting championship game.

Khalif Battle led the scoring for the Razorbacks with 21 points, supported by strong performances from Davonte Davis with 15 points and Trevon Brazile, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the efforts of the Razorbacks, Memphis proved to be the more dominant force, securing the lead in a game that saw 14 lead changes in the first half.

The first half was marked by intense competition, with both teams swapping the lead multiple times before Memphis took a 42-37 lead into halftime. Jones, displaying his scoring prowess, made all six of his field-goal attempts in the first half, contributing 17 crucial points.

Arkansas faced challenges, including two first-half technical fouls after scoring. These incidents included a technical on Davis, who pointed at the Tigers' bench after drilling a 3-pointer, and another on Brazile, who engaged in on-court confrontation following a play. These technicals had an impact on the game, with Jahvon Quinerly sinking free throws to forge ties.

The victory sets the stage for Memphis to face Villanova in the championship game, while Arkansas will compete against No. 14 North Carolina in the third-place game. Jones' stellar performance will undoubtedly be a highlight, showcasing Memphis' potential as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.

Source: KNBR