Houston’s Relentless Defense, Arkansas’ Missed Chances Define Top-15 Clash in Newark
In a battle between two top-15 teams that had all the makings of a March preview, No. 14 Arkansas couldn’t overcome a brutal combination of missed free throws and Houston’s signature defensive pressure, falling 94-85 to the eighth-ranked Cougars at the Never Forget Tribute Classic.
Coming into the game, Arkansas was one of the best free-throw shooting teams in the country-top 30 nationally. But when it mattered most, the Razorbacks couldn’t cash in.
They went just 21-of-35 at the stripe, leaving 14 points on the table. Against a Houston team that thrives on discipline and execution, that margin proved too much to overcome.
The Cougars weren’t perfect either, but they hit enough-19-of-25-to maintain control when the game tightened.
And make no mistake, this game was all about control. Houston took it early and never really let it go.
Houston Sets the Tone Early with Smothering Defense
The Cougars wasted no time dictating terms. A 21-2 run in the first half-fueled by a wave of Arkansas turnovers-put Houston in the driver’s seat before the Razorbacks could get their footing. By the time Arkansas called timeout to regroup, the Cougars had built a 21-point lead and were firmly in control.
Houston’s defense was relentless. They forced 12 turnovers and turned those into 19 points-many of them coming during that first-half blitz.
But it wasn’t just the turnovers. Houston completely disrupted Arkansas’ preferred style of play by choking off the transition game.
The Razorbacks managed just seven fast-break points, a far cry from the up-tempo attack that’s been their bread and butter in recent weeks.
Senior guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp were the architects of Houston’s tempo. They slowed the game down, controlled the half-court sets, and made sure Arkansas never found a rhythm. It was a textbook performance from a team that knows how to impose its will.
Arkansas Fights Back Behind Acuff and Ewin
To their credit, the Razorbacks didn’t fold. After falling behind by 21, they clamped down defensively and held Houston scoreless for over five minutes late in the first half. That stretch sparked a 22-9 run that cut the deficit to single digits by halftime.
Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. was electric. He poured in a game-high 27 points, dished out seven assists, and grabbed five boards-showing poise well beyond his years. Acuff was the engine of Arkansas’ comeback, keeping the Cougars honest with his ability to score at all three levels.
Senior forward Malique Ewin was a force inside, especially with Trevon Brazile sidelined by early foul trouble. Ewin finished with 20 points and nine rebounds, drawing 11 fouls in the process.
But like the team as a whole, his night at the free-throw line was a mixed bag-just 10-of-17. Still, his presence kept Arkansas competitive and gave them a fighting chance in Brazile’s absence.
Missed Free Throws, Perimeter Gap Prove Too Much
When the dust settled, the difference was in the details. Houston was more efficient at the line, more accurate from deep, and more consistent in executing their game plan.
The Cougars hit 11 threes to Arkansas’ eight, and those extra points added up. Combine that with Arkansas’ struggles at the stripe, and the margin becomes clear.
Brazile’s early foul trouble loomed large. He picked up two quick ones and sat the rest of the first half.
Without him, Arkansas lost a key scoring option and a veteran presence on both ends. Ewin filled in admirably, but Brazile’s absence was felt-especially in a game where every possession mattered.
Calipari: “We Were Playing Catch-Up”
After the game, head coach John Calipari didn’t mince words. He pointed to the early turnovers and missed free throws as the turning points.
“The biggest thing is, we talked about easy plays,” Calipari said. “Don’t try to make the hardest plays, that gets them going.
In that first 10 minutes we had more turnovers than the average, and for the last 30 minutes we only had three. But by that time, we were down 18 and we were missing free throws.”
Calipari also acknowledged that while the defense didn’t meet the standard, the offense held its own against one of the stingiest defensive units in the country.
Houston’s Depth and Discipline Shine
Emanuel Sharp led the Cougars with 22 points, but this was far from a one-man show. Freshman guard Kingston Flemings delivered a breakout performance with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists. His ability to contribute in multiple ways gave Houston another weapon in an already loaded backcourt.
Houston’s identity-defensive toughness, offensive balance, and game control-was on full display. The Cougars didn’t just beat a talented Arkansas team; they imposed their style and forced the Razorbacks to adjust. That’s the hallmark of a team built for deep tournament runs.
What This Game Tells Us
For Arkansas, this was a hard-fought loss that exposed some cracks-particularly at the line and in handling pressure early. But it also showed resilience, with young stars like Acuff stepping up in a big moment.
For Houston, it was another reminder of why they’re one of the most complete teams in the country. They don’t just win-they dictate how the game is played.
Both teams will take lessons from this one. But for now, Houston walks away with a statement win, and Arkansas walks away knowing exactly what it needs to clean up if it wants to be playing deep into March.