Brazile, Acuff Keep Rolling as Razorbacks Torch Queens 108-80
Trevon Brazile and Darius Acuff are making it look easy right now. Just days after sweeping SEC weekly honors for their performances in a win over No. 16 Texas Tech, the Arkansas duo turned in another electric showing Tuesday night, powering the Razorbacks to a dominant 108-80 victory over Queens.
It wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. Arkansas had six players hit double figures, but Brazile and Acuff were the engines that made the whole thing go.
Let’s start with Brazile. The veteran forward set a new career high with 26 points, and he did it with ruthless efficiency-9-of-11 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
He added four rebounds, three assists, and three steals in just 25 minutes of action. That’s the kind of stat line that jumps off the page, but it’s the way he’s been stringing these performances together that’s really catching attention.
Brazile has now scored at least 21 points in three of his last four games, and two of those came against ranked opponents. He’s not just heating up-he’s elevating.
“He’s making a statement about how good he is, but also how good he can be,” said Arkansas assistant coach Kenny Payne postgame. “I don’t think he’s touched the surface. There’s more in there.”
Payne pointed to Brazile’s versatility-his ability to rebound at a high level, defend multiple positions, and stretch the floor with his shooting-as the next step in his evolution. Right now, he’s in rhythm, playing with confidence, and showing flashes of a player who can change the game on both ends.
Then there’s Acuff, the freshman point guard who continues to play well beyond his years. He recorded his second career double-double with 23 points and 10 assists, while also chipping in three rebounds and three steals. His shooting was on point too-8-of-13 from the field, 4-of-6 from deep-and he ran the offense with poise and precision.
That’s now five straight games with at least 17 points for Acuff, and four straight with eight or more assists. He’s not just scoring-he’s orchestrating. And for a freshman, that’s rare air.
“I think Darius is doing a great job of leading us,” Payne said. “Not just getting points-getting assists. He had 10 tonight, and if we make a couple more shots, he probably ends up with 15.”
It’s that blend of scoring and playmaking that makes Acuff such a dynamic piece in this Razorback offense. He’s a bucket when needed, but he’s just as comfortable setting the table for his teammates.
And that balance? It’s contagious.
“When you got a guy that scores the ball at will and is a willing passer, can’t really ask for more out of a point guard,” said forward Nick Pringle. “His ability to hit shots, get downhill, and get everybody involved is special.
Coach preaches confidence to him all the time, and it’s rubbing off on the rest of us. We’re all playing together, and it’s exciting.”
Pringle, now in his fourth SEC season, has had a front-row seat to Brazile’s development over the years-first as an opponent, now as a teammate. And he’s seeing the growth pay off.
“It’s amazing,” Pringle said. “You see the work he puts in.
He’s in the gym with KP all the time. Coach pushes confidence on him constantly.
He went 5-of-7 from three? If we can get that from TB every night, that’s what we want.”
Veteran leadership, breakout freshman talent, and a team that’s starting to click-it’s all coming together for Arkansas at the right time. But the real test is coming fast.
Next up: a trip to Newark, New Jersey, where the Razorbacks will face No. 8 Houston in their final marquee non-conference matchup of the season.
Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. CST, with national coverage on CBS.
If Brazile and Acuff keep playing like this, Arkansas won’t just be showing up-they’ll be showing out.