Arkansas Sends a Statement with Blowout Win Over No. 15 Vanderbilt
On Saturday night in Fayetteville, Arkansas didn’t just bounce back-they roared back. In a 93-68 dismantling of No.
15 Vanderbilt, the Razorbacks reminded the SEC-and anyone else paying attention-just how dangerous they can be when everything clicks. This wasn’t just a win; it was a full-throttle, wire-to-wire showcase of what this team is capable of at its peak.
Now sitting at 14-5 overall and 4-2 in conference play, the Razorbacks looked like a team that has found its rhythm. Vanderbilt, who came in with a 16-3 record and plenty of momentum, had no answers for the energy, execution, and sheer physicality Arkansas brought to the floor.
Razorbacks Dominate the Interior
From the opening tip, Arkansas made it clear they weren’t going to be pushed around. They attacked the paint relentlessly, getting downhill early in possessions and finishing with authority-13 dunks worth of authority, to be exact.
That kind of rim pressure not only energized the crowd, it broke Vanderbilt’s defensive structure. The Razorbacks cleaned up on the glass too, winning the rebounding battle 39-27 and controlling second-chance opportunities.
The heart of that interior dominance? Trevon Brazile.
The senior forward was everywhere. He posted a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, but that was just the beginning.
Add in five assists, four steals, and two blocks, and you’ve got a stat line that screams impact. Brazile wasn’t just stuffing the box score-he was dictating the game on both ends.
Whether it was anchoring the defense, pushing the ball in transition, or making the extra pass, he was the engine behind Arkansas’ best basketball of the season.
Lockdown Defense Sets the Tone
Defense was where this game was won. Arkansas brought the kind of ball pressure that makes opposing guards rethink every dribble.
Vanderbilt shot under 40 percent from the field and beyond the arc, struggling to find clean looks all night. The Razorbacks forced 10 turnovers, but more importantly, they disrupted Vanderbilt’s rhythm and flow.
Every possession was a grind, and by the second half, the Commodores looked worn down.
Acuff Jr. Keeps the Razorback Offense Rolling
On the offensive end, Darius Acuff Jr. continues to look wise beyond his years. The freshman guard led Arkansas in both points and assists, orchestrating the offense with poise and precision.
Whether it was pushing the tempo, breaking down defenders, or setting up teammates, Acuff Jr. was in complete control. He’s quickly becoming the steady hand that keeps this team balanced-and dangerous.
Ewin Adds Muscle Off the Bench
Arkansas didn’t just lean on its starters, though. The bench came through in a big way, especially Malique Ewin.
The 6-foot-10 forward delivered another efficient outing, scoring in double figures on 5-of-6 shooting. That’s now four straight games with 10+ points for Ewin, whose soft touch and physical presence around the rim give Arkansas a true weapon off the bench.
His chemistry with Brazile in the frontcourt is starting to look like a real difference-maker.
Depth, Unselfishness, and Execution
This was a total team effort. Six Razorbacks finished in double figures, and seven scored at least eight points.
The ball movement was crisp and purposeful, leading to a 25-13 advantage in assists. It wasn’t just that Arkansas was scoring-it was how they were scoring.
Extra passes, smart cuts, and a commitment to finding the best shot available. That’s the kind of offensive execution that wins games in March.
A Statement Win with Bigger Implications
By the time the final horn sounded, Arkansas had done more than just beat a ranked opponent-they had dominated one. A 25-point win over a top-15 team, fueled by elite defense, interior control, and contributions from the entire rotation, stands as one of the Razorbacks’ most complete performances of the season.
If this version of Arkansas shows up consistently, they’re not just a tough out in the SEC-they’re a team nobody’s going to want to see come tournament time.