By: TBT Staff

Jaylen Barford scored 23 points and added 12 rebounds to pace the attack in Team Arkansas’ opening-round, 74-70 win over the pesky Ft. Worth Funk. 

“It felt great to be out there,” said Barford, who had previously competed for the Jackson TN Underdawgs in two prior TBT appearances and led the tournament in scoring in 2019. “We got a chance to practice this week and get to know each other more.”

Barford and his Team Arkansas teammates are clear on exactly what they need to do to advance in this year’s tournament.

“[We have to] tighten up our mental toughness,” said the 2018 All-SEC honoree. “We’ve got to lock in, especially during that Elam Ending. Make every play count.”

A TBT veteran, Barford reflected on the intensity of the opening-round game.

“It felt like the NCAA tournament,” he said afterwards. “We’re going to go out there and play hard.”