COL BKB: Arkansas 88, Alabama 61

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Gary Ervin, Patrick Beverley and Sonny Weems all scored 18 points Saturday in carrying Arkansas to a surprising 88-61 whipping of No. 8 Alabama.

The Razorbacks asserted themselves as a force in their Southeastern Conference opener, improving to 12-3 for the season and winning their fourth straight.

Alabama had a six-game winning streak snapped with Alonzo Gee scoring 14 points and Mykal Riley adding 11. The Crimson Tide slipped to 13-2.

Arkansas scored the game's first 14 points and did not let up, taking a 44-20 halftime lead. Alabama came no closer than 16 points during the second half and Arkansas led by as many as 36.