B.J. Young scored 18 points, and host Arkansas used a strong first half to win its sixth in a row, beating Savannah State 83-66.

Playing its final game before opening SEC play this weekend, Arkansas (11-3) took control with a 20-5 run early in the first half.

Rashad Madden, Devonta Abron and Marvell Waithe each scored four points during the run, and Young’s 3-pointer with 6:16 left staked Arkansas to a 30-13 advantage. The Razorbacks led 42-23 at the half.

Down 66-44 midway through the second half, Savannah State (5-9) used an 18-2 spurt to pull within 68-62 on Arnold Louis’ layup with 3:23 remaining, but could get no closer.

Rickey Scott added 17 points for the Razorbacks, who finished 31-for-39 from the free throw line.

Louis' 13 points paced the Tigers, who were just 9-for-20 at the foul line.

Arkansas begins its SEC schedule Saturday, hosting No. 16 Mississippi State. Savannah State hosts Coppin State in MEAC play Saturday.