Darius Acuff Jr. stole the show at the Lloyd Noble Center, leading Arkansas to an 83-79 victory over Oklahoma. The junior guard's impressive performance, which included 21 points and 9 assists, was the difference-maker in a tightly contested matchup. Nijel Pack's 22 points for Oklahoma were not enough to overcome Acuff Jr.'s heroics, as the Razorbacks improved to 16-5 on the season.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and playing tenacious defense. At halftime, Oklahoma held a slim 48-44 lead, thanks in large part to Pack's 12 first-half points. However, Acuff Jr. and the Razorbacks came out strong in the second half, using a 10-2 run to take a 54-50 lead with 14 minutes remaining. Oklahoma refused to back down, and the two teams continued to exchange blows until the final whistle.
Meleek Thomas and Malique Ewin provided significant support for Acuff Jr., scoring 16 and 12 points, respectively. Their contributions were crucial in helping the Razorbacks maintain a narrow lead throughout the second half. On the other side, Tae Davis and Xzayvier Brown chipped in with 14 and 13 points, respectively, to complement Pack's efforts.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Arkansas winning by a razor-thin margin of 0.1 points, and while the actual score didn't quite reflect a tie, the predicted winner was correct. The Razorbacks' four-point victory was a reflection of their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
This matchup had real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. As a Quadrant 1 win for Arkansas, this result will undoubtedly bolster their already strong case for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. With a current net ranking of 20, the Razorbacks continue to solidify their position as a top contender in the country. For Oklahoma, this Quadrant 1 loss will not severely damage their tournament hopes, but it does highlight the need for the Sooners to string together some wins to improve their net ranking of 75.
The win for Arkansas is a notable addition to their resume, demonstrating their ability to win on the road against a quality opponent. As the season enters its final stretch, the Razorbacks want to build on this momentum and make a deep run in the tournament. With Acuff Jr. leading the charge, they certainly have the talent and depth to make a serious push. This victory will undoubtedly be a key talking point when tournament selection time arrives, and the Razorbacks will be hoping to parlay this win into a strong finish to the regular season.