Acuff Jr.'s Heroics Propel Razorbacks to Resounding Home Triumph!
Acuff Jr.'s Stellar Second-Half Surge Propels Arkansas Past LSU
Darius Acuff Jr., the standout freshman guard for the No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks, delivered a monumental performance, netting 24 of his career-high 31 points in the second half. His exceptional play was pivotal in overcoming an eight-point deficit, ultimately leading Arkansas to an 85-81 victory over LSU in their SEC encounter held in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Freshman Phenom Dominates Key Moments with Unstoppable Offensive Barrage
Acuff Jr., a unique talent as the sole freshman in NCAA Division I to average at least 19 points and six assists, showcased his extraordinary scoring ability. He single-handedly accounted for nine consecutive Arkansas points and contributed 12 of 15 points during a critical phase, transforming a 59-56 deficit into a decisive 71-67 lead with just six minutes remaining in the game.
Razorbacks Maintain Perfect Home Record with Sharpshooting Display
Displaying remarkable efficiency, Acuff Jr. connected on 13 of 19 field goal attempts, including four of seven from beyond the arc. This stellar shooting performance contributed significantly to the Razorbacks' (15-5, 5-2 SEC) maintained an unblemished 12-0 record on their home court this season.
Critical Three-Pointer Extends Arkansas' Advantage in Tense Matchup
A crucial three-pointer from Acuff Jr. extended the Razorbacks' lead to their largest of the game, 77-69, with five minutes left on the clock, providing a vital cushion in the tightly contested match.
LSU's Valiant Effort Led by Nwoko, Thomas Jr., and Tamba
Mike Nwoko spearheaded the Tigers' offense with 17 points, as LSU (13-7, 1-6) briefly held a 45-37 lead early in the second half. Dedan Thomas Jr. added 15 points and five assists, while Pablo Tamba contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing their team's fighting spirit.
Tigers' Late Rally Falls Short Despite Thomas Jr.'s Clutch Plays
Despite Thomas Jr.'s late-game heroics, including a three-pointer that cut the lead to 79-75 with 3:47 remaining and a jumper that further narrowed the gap to 81-79 with 1:54 left, LSU was unable to complete the comeback.
Arkansas Seals Victory with Defensive Stand After Late Offensive Burst
Trevon Brazile's timely three-pointer extended Arkansas' lead to 84-79, marking their 11th successful field goal in 12 attempts. Although Acuff Jr. missed two free throws, LSU failed to capitalize on their subsequent possession, allowing the Razorbacks to secure the hard-fought win.
Team Effort and Dynamic Play Highlighted by Multiple Lead Changes
Meleek Thomas chipped in with 14 points, and Billy Richmond III contributed 11 points for Arkansas in a game characterized by six ties and 13 lead changes, reflecting the competitive nature of the contest.
Acuff Jr.'s Second-Half Masterclass Fuels Razorbacks' Offensive Explosion
Acuff Jr.'s dominant second-half performance included 10 of 11 shooting and five assists, propelling the Razorbacks to an impressive 52 points and an astounding 67.7 percent field goal accuracy in the half.
Arkansas' Resilient Comeback Initiated by Early Second-Half Run
Following LSU's 45-37 lead early in the second half, Arkansas launched a 13-5 run, sparked by six points from Acuff Jr., to level the score at 50 with 12:56 left in the game, setting the stage for their eventual triumph.
Unbroken Home Streak Continues for Arkansas After Gritty Performance
This victory extends Arkansas' remarkable home winning streak to 16 games, a testament to their dominance on their own court since a narrow 85-81 defeat to Alabama on February 8, 2025.
Winter Storm Prompts Early Tip-Off in Freezing Fayetteville Conditions
The game's start time was moved up by two hours due to a severe winter storm, with the temperature in Fayetteville a chilly 13°F at tip-off, adding an extra layer of challenge to the high-stakes matchup.