In a thrilling SEC showdown, No. 20 Arkansas continued their winning streak by taking down Texas A&M with a 99-84 victory at Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks, now 21-7 overall and 11-4 in conference play, leaned on their depth as the star freshmen duo, Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, found their rhythm late in the game.
Sophomore forward Billy Richmond was the standout performer, leading Arkansas with 23 points, shooting an impressive 61.5% from the field and hitting 50% from beyond the arc. Richmond's aggressive play, combined with his improved three-point shooting, kept the Aggies on their toes.
Senior forward Malique Ewin also played a pivotal role, contributing 18 points on a remarkable 85.7% shooting, while pulling down a team-high nine rebounds. His presence in the paint was a key factor in Arkansas' dominance.
Head coach John Calipari praised Richmond's development, particularly his work on the three-point shot. "Billy's been relentless in practice," Calipari noted. "His ability to attack the basket and hit from deep makes him a real threat."
Calipari also highlighted Ewin's growing confidence. "Starting Malique in the second half was crucial. He's getting more comfortable, and when he rebounds aggressively, it changes the game."
While Acuff finished with 22 points, 17 of those came in a late-game surge, underscoring his ability to deliver in crunch time. Thomas, too, came alive in the second half, adding 13 points after a scoreless start.
Reflecting on their performance, Calipari said, "Darius and Meleek showed real grit. They might start slow, but when it matters most, they're ready to take charge."
Looking ahead, Arkansas faces a formidable challenge as they travel to Gainesville for a clash with the No. 7 Florida Gators.
With College Gameday in town, it's set to be a high-stakes encounter. Calipari emphasized the importance of preparation despite limited practice time, opting for strategic walkthroughs and video sessions to gear up for the battle.
The Razorbacks are riding high, but they'll need all hands on deck to topple the Gators in this marquee matchup.