Imagine the electric atmosphere of a packed arena kicking off the basketball season in style—that's exactly what happened at the launch of the Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic!
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Fans in Arkansas are already talking about the inaugural Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic, which exploded onto the scene with an impressive turnout on Friday night at the Jack Stephens Center. A whopping 3,161 supporters showed up, filling the stands with cheers and energy to welcome the excitement of college hoops.
This exhibition doubleheader—for those new to basketball lingo, that's like a friendly preseason showcase where teams play without it counting toward official records—pitted local rivals Little Rock against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. It was a perfect way to unite two Arkansas programs and get the community buzzing. The night wasn't just about the games; it included vibrant performances from both schools' dance squads and the spirited Trojan pep band. Plus, there was a heartfelt nod to the 2010-11 NCAA Tournament squad, captained by Solomon Bozeman, who was the Trojans' standout player back then and is now leading UAPB as head coach. Moments like these really highlight the rich history and connections in college sports, don't they?
Kicking things off, the Little Rock women's team delivered a nail-biter, edging out a 52-50 win that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Then, in the men's game, the Golden Lions pulled ahead for a 77-69 triumph. But here's where it gets really exciting: this event, first announced back in September as a joint venture between the schools, aims to boost college basketball's profile right here in the heart of Arkansas. Judging by the vibrant vibe and that crowd size—over 3,000 strong, one of the biggest in recent years for Little Rock games—it's safe to say this could turn into a must-attend tradition every fall. And this is the part most people miss: events like these aren't just games; they build rivalries and community spirit that last beyond the final buzzer.
In the women's contest, graduate student Jordan Holman (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jordan-holman/8676) was the hero of the night, topping the scoring charts and stepping up big in the clutch moments. For beginners, 'clutch' means performing under pressure when it counts most—like her game-changing three-pointer at the 5:16 mark that flipped the score to 48-47 in Little Rock's favor. She followed that with a free throw to make it a two-point edge. Even when UAPB clawed back to within one point with just over two minutes to go, freshman Brenna Burk (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brenna-burk/8699) made a game-sealing play: she hustled after a loose ball in the backcourt, sprinted forward, earned a foul, and calmly hit the free throw to lock in the victory. Plays like that show the heart and hustle that make women's college basketball so thrilling.
Over on the men's side, senior Tuongthach Gatkek (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tuongthach-gatkek/8721) powered the Trojans with 18 points and six rebounds, proving his value on both ends of the court. Junior Cameron Wallace (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cameron-wallace/9356) contributed a solid 14 points, and redshirt sophomore Khasen Robinson (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/khasen-robinson/9350) added 11 more. Little Rock trailed by double digits at the break but mounted an impressive comeback in the second half—think of it as a classic underdog rally—but they couldn't quite close the gap. Bold opinion here: Was the halftime deficit too much to overcome, or could better early-game adjustments have flipped the script? It's moments like these that spark endless debates among fans.
Looking ahead, the Little Rock men's team has another exhibition lined up, hosting Arkansas Tech at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28—great chance to see them shake off this one and build momentum. The women's squad jumps into regular-season action at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 3, facing Central Baptist College. The men follow suit the next evening against Arkansas Baptist College. If you're itching to catch the action live, these games are perfect entry points for the season.
🎟️ Want in on the fun? Head over to lrtrojans.com (https://lrtrojans.com/) or give the Trojan Ticket Office a ring at 501-916-3257 to snag single-game tickets or full-season packages. Supporting local teams like this not only amps up the atmosphere but also helps grow the sport in our backyard.
Players Spotlight:
5 Jordan Holman (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jordan-holman/8676)
G/F | 5'10" | Senior
1 Brenna Burk (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brenna-burk/8699)
G | 5'7" | Freshman
32 Tuongthach Gatkek (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tuongthach-gatkek/8721)
F | 6'9" | Senior
3 Khasen Robinson (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/khasen-robinson/9350)
G | 6'1" | Redshirt Sophomore
24 Cameron Wallace (https://lrtrojans.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cameron-wallace/9356)
F | 6'8" | Junior
So, what do you think—will the Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic become the hottest ticket in town, rivaling bigger tournaments? Or is there room for more in-state rivalries to heat things up? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're team Trojans or Golden Lions, and why!
