Basketball fever gripped Central Arkansas last Friday night, and the reason might surprise you. The inaugural Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic wasn’t just a game—it was a celebration of hoops, community, and the start of something big. Held at the Jack Stephens Center, the event drew an impressive 3,161 fans, proving that college basketball in the region is alive and thriving. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this wasn’t just about the games. It was a night of nostalgia, talent, and pure energy that left everyone buzzing.
The doubleheader featured two in-state rivals, Little Rock and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, going head-to-head in a battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Beyond the court, the evening was a feast for the senses, with electrifying performances by both schools’ dance teams and the Trojan pep band. And this is the part most people miss—the event also paid a special tribute to the 2010-11 NCAA Tournament team, led by none other than Solomon Bozeman. Remember him? The Trojans’ star player from that season is now the head coach at UAPB, bridging the past and present in a way that felt both emotional and inspiring.
On the court, the action was intense. The Little Rock women’s team kicked things off with a nail-biting 52-50 victory, thanks to clutch performances from players like Jordan Holman, whose three-pointer with 5:16 left sealed the deal. Brenna Burk’s late-game heroics—chasing down a tipped ball, drawing a foul, and sinking a free throw—were the icing on the cake. In the men’s game, the Golden Lions edged out the Trojans 77-69, despite a strong second-half push from Little Rock’s Tuongthach Gatkek, who led with 18 points and six rebounds.
But here’s the controversial part: With such a massive turnout and electric atmosphere, is the Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic already a bigger deal than some established tournaments in the region? Announced in September as a collaborative effort between the two programs, the event was designed to promote college basketball locally. After Friday’s success, it’s clear this is no ordinary exhibition—it’s a can’t-miss annual event that’s here to stay. The crowd of over 3,000 was one of the largest Little Rock has seen in recent seasons, raising the question: Could this become the premier basketball event in Central Arkansas?
Looking ahead, Little Rock’s teams are just getting started. The men’s team hosts Arkansas Tech on October 28, while the women tip off their regular season on November 3 against Central Baptist College. The men follow suit the next night against Arkansas Baptist College. If you missed this year’s Tip-Off Classic, don’t make the same mistake twice—tickets for upcoming games are available now at lrtrojans.com or by calling the Trojan Ticket Office at 501-916-3257.
Key Players to Watch:
- Jordan Holman (5’10”, Senior, G/F): The women’s team’s leading scorer and clutch performer.
- Brenna Burk (5’7”, Freshman, G): A rising star who sealed the victory with late-game heroics.
- Tuongthach Gatkek (6’9”, Senior, F): The men’s team’s top scorer and rebounder.
- Cameron Wallace (6’8”, Junior, F): A consistent contributor with 14 points in the matchup.
- Khasen Robinson (6’1”, Redshirt Sophomore, G): Added 11 points in a strong effort.
So, what do you think? Is the Central Arkansas Tip-Off Classic the next big thing in college basketball? Or is it too early to crown it as a regional powerhouse? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
