What a game it was between Alabama and Arkansas, a double-overtime thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. Alabama narrowly edged out Arkansas 117-115, but the game was marred by some questionable officiating decisions.
Darius Acuff was the star of the night, putting on an incredible performance with 49 points. His clutch 3-pointer sent the game into overtime, but as the game wore on, he found himself without much support on the court.
By the end, the Razorbacks were dealing with a "Ship of Theseus" scenario. They finished with Jaden Karuletwa and Elmir Dzafic on the floor after four of their key players fouled out: Nick Pringle, Meleek Thomas, DJ Wagner, and Billy Richmond III.
Already missing Karter Knox and Isaiah Sealy due to injuries, Arkansas was left with Acuff, Trevon Brazile, and Malique Ewin to carry the load. Acuff played all 50 minutes, but in the final moments, he was the sole guard.
Foul trouble was a significant factor, with Arkansas being called for 26 fouls, allowing Alabama 34 free throw attempts. Many of these fouls were minor infractions, and the officiating, led by Doug Shows, seemed to favor the home team-a trend Arkansas has benefited from in the past, but not this time.
The game could have played out differently if Thomas had stayed out of foul trouble. His absence allowed Alabama to chip away at a 10-point halftime lead.
Even with Richmond and Wagner on the court in the second overtime, it felt like Arkansas had a chance. Meeting Alabama again on a neutral floor, like in the SEC Tournament, could change the outcome.
In the final moments, there was a debate over whether Acuff should have taken a 3-pointer to win it, considering the lineup on the floor. Alabama was prepared for such a move, but a pick-and-pop with Brazile might have been an option, though keeping the ball in Acuff's hands made sense.
Looking at the stats, it was an offensive showcase for both teams. Arkansas allowed 58 points in the paint, a result of their strategy to switch everything on the perimeter to keep Alabama's 3-point shooting in check. This did open up lanes for Alabama's guards, leading to more fouls.
Offensively, Arkansas needed to do more against Alabama's paint defense. Ewin's scoreless night was a blow, and they needed better production from him.
The lack of assists was expected, but their inability to finish in the paint was a missed opportunity. Ultimately, the disparity in free throw attempts was decisive.
John Calipari summed it up with a cheeky response, listing various game stats while omitting fouls and free throws, highlighting the real game-changer.
If this game were played elsewhere, the outcome might be different. For Alabama, Aiden Sherrell's impact was undeniable, while Thomas's absence hurt Arkansas. Richmond's defensive struggles were evident, and Amari Allen's performance for Alabama was pivotal.
Despite going scoreless, Ewin's presence was still valuable, showing a positive impact compared to Pringle. The Razorbacks need to consider roster depth moving forward, as injuries and foul trouble have cost them before.
Looking ahead, Arkansas faces a crucial game against Missouri. With the Tigers fighting for a tournament spot, Arkansas can't afford a letdown. Getting Knox back could be key, especially against Missouri's standout wing, Mark Mitchell.
Arkansas fans, stay tuned for more updates and insights as the season progresses.