When No. 20 Arkansas heads to Tuscaloosa to face No.
25 Alabama on Wednesday, expect fireworks. These are two of the most explosive offenses in college basketball, and the stakes couldn’t be much higher.
Both squads are gunning for one of the coveted double-byes in the SEC Tournament, and with just a handful of games left, every possession matters.
Two Juggernauts, One Court
Alabama enters the matchup averaging 91.8 points per game - tied for second in the nation. That’s not just fast-paced basketball; that’s elite-level offensive execution.
The Crimson Tide also ranks third in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency, which factors in pace and opponent strength. Arkansas isn’t far behind, pouring in 88.8 points per game and sitting fifth in adjusted offensive efficiency.
In terms of overall performance, KenPom’s adjusted efficiency margin has the Razorbacks just a tick ahead - a razor-thin edge in what’s shaping up to be a high-octane showdown.
“We’re a downhill running team that can shoot,” Arkansas head coach John Calipari said. That’s not just coach-speak. It’s a spot-on summary of what makes this Razorbacks squad so dangerous.
Razorbacks Heating Up
Arkansas is riding a wave of momentum, coming off three straight double-digit wins. Their most recent outing - an 88-75 payback win over Auburn - was a statement.
Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. continues to play like a future lottery pick. Against Auburn, he matched his career high with 31 points, knocked down seven threes, and dished out seven assists.
In SEC play, Acuff is averaging 21.2 points and 6.3 assists. If he holds those numbers, he’ll be the first player to lead the conference in both categories since full stats became available in 1990-91.
That’s not just impressive - that’s historic.
Then there’s Billy Richmond III - or “Billy Goat,” as he’s known. The freshman forward had a breakout game against Auburn, scoring 25 points on a blistering 12-of-15 shooting. He added four assists, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, stuffing the stat sheet in every way imaginable.
“He plays with so much energy and passion, the body language screams,” Calipari said. “I know what I’m getting from him every night he plays.”
Arkansas leads the SEC in field goal percentage at 50.4%, and when they’re clicking like this, they’re a nightmare to guard.
Trevon Brazile is another name to watch. The athletic forward had 11 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks in the win over Auburn.
Calipari praised his physicality, saying, “If that is Trevon Brazile, what we saw today and in the last couple of games, we’re really good. Because he is playing rougher.”
Crimson Tide Rolling
Alabama has quietly put together a four-game win streak of its own, including back-to-back double-digit victories since getting blown out by Florida on Feb. 1. Their most recent win - an 89-75 takedown of South Carolina - showcased their depth and perimeter firepower.
Aden Holloway (20 points), Labaron Philon Jr. (19), and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (19) combined to hit 11 of Alabama’s 12 three-pointers in the game. That trio is part of a Crimson Tide offense that leads the nation in three-point attempts per game (35.9) and ranks second in makes (12.8). Alabama has hit at least 12 threes in six straight games - when they get hot, they can bury you in a hurry.
Philon, the team’s leading scorer at 21.3 points per game, has already drilled 55 threes this season. Holloway has added 60 of his own. And while Acuff will be wearing Razorback red, he’s also drained 60 from deep - a reminder that this game will feature some of the best perimeter shooting in college hoops.
Forward Amari Allen chipped in eight points, 10 boards, and three assists against South Carolina, providing the kind of glue-guy production that championship teams need. Alabama forward Taylor Bol Bowen, who’s made 11 starts this season, missed the South Carolina game and remains day-to-day after suffering a leg injury earlier this month.
What to Watch
Alabama head coach Nate Oats knows his team has the firepower - but he’s looking for consistency on the defensive end.
“We’ve got good defensive players when they want to get locked in,” Oats said. “We get a lead, and it feels like we get comfortable and we can’t put teams away. I don’t think that’s going to be an issue against Arkansas.”
He might be right. With both teams fighting for postseason positioning and loaded with offensive talent, this one has all the makings of a 40-minute sprint. Expect a game where every possession is a track meet, every three-pointer is a dagger, and every stop is hard-earned.
Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa? That’s must-watch basketball.