A-State wins home hoops opener

Red Wolves handle Crowley’s Ridge College in rout

news@theeveningtimes.com JONESBORO — Freshman forward Norchad Omier posted game highs of 21 points and 13 rebounds to help lead Arkansas State to a 115-49 victory over Crowley’s Ridge College Friday night in the Red Wolves’ home opener.

Thanks in part to an arenarecord 46 field goals made, ASU (1-3) posted the fifthmost points in school history, five shy of tying the school record. The Red Wolves also dished out 28 assists while shooting 63.9 percent from the field.

Junior forward Keyon Wesley and freshman forward Lazar Grbovic both posted season-high point totals with 20 and 17, respectively. Sophomore guard Caleb Fields added 13 points.

ASU limited CRC (2-7) to a .263 shooting percentage while blocking five shots and recording three steals.

The Red Wolves hit 10-of-23 shots from beyond the arc, but also scored 68 points in the paint.

While the Pioneers trailed just 19-14 almost eight minutes into the contest, the Red Wolves put together a 16-0 run to claim a 35-14 advantage with 7:20 remaining in the half.

ASU outscored CRC 38-9 over the final 13 minutes of the first half for a 57-23 lead at the break. The Red Wolves started the final 20 minutes of action with a 19-3 run.

Arkansas State remains at home for its next two games.