FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas Keeps Rolling with a Second-Half Surge Against Texas A&M
In a thrilling encounter at Bud Walton Arena, No. 20/17 Arkansas unleashed a red-hot second half to fend off Texas A&M, securing a 99-84 victory. The Razorbacks showcased their firepower, driven by standout performances from Billy Richmond III and Darius Acuff Jr.
Richmond III continues to impress, dropping 23 points and marking his fourth consecutive game scoring over 20. Meanwhile, Acuff Jr. shook off a sluggish start to finish with 22 points and seven assists, making it his ninth-straight game with 20-plus points. His late-game heroics were pivotal, as he notched 17 of the team’s final 32 points, including a crucial stretch that expanded the Razorbacks’ lead from five to 13.
The game kicked off with an electrifying pace, as both teams combined for 65 points in the first half. Despite shooting just 36.1% and struggling from beyond the arc, Arkansas capitalized on their defensive prowess, forcing 13 turnovers and converting them into a 37-28 halftime lead.
The second half was a different story, with both squads lighting up the scoreboard for a combined 118 points. Arkansas thrived in transition, racking up 30 fastbreak points and dominating the paint with 52 points. Their 62 second-half points set a new record for the Razorbacks against an SEC opponent in regular-season play.
Acuff, fresh off an AP Player of the Week nod, found his groove after the break. He was instrumental in sealing the win, scoring 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting during a crucial stretch. The Razorbacks couldn’t miss at one point, hitting 13 consecutive shots and shooting 69% from the field in the second half.
Despite a tough night from beyond the arc (4-of-17), Arkansas finished the game shooting 50.8% overall. Texas A&M also had a strong shooting performance at 52.6%, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Razorbacks.
Malique Ewin contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, while Meleek Thomas added 13 points. Trevon Brazile chipped in with eight rebounds and 13 points, rounding out a balanced team effort.
For Texas A&M, Zach Clemence was a standout, pouring in 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting.
Looking ahead, Arkansas will travel to face the #7 Florida Gators on Saturday. The matchup in Gainesville is set for 8:30 pm (ET) and will be featured on ESPN, with the network's Gameday crew on-site for their morning show. The Razorbacks will then return to host Texas for their home finale next Wednesday.
First Half Highlights:
- Arkansas started strong but faced an 11-0 run from A&M before responding with a 16-0 run of their own.
- The Razorbacks used their defensive pressure to force turnovers and capitalize on fastbreak opportunities, leading 37-28 at the break.
- Billy Richmond III led the way with 15 first-half points, while Malique Ewin added eight.
Second Half Highlights:
- Texas A&M made a push with hot shooting from deep, but Arkansas responded with a flurry of their own, led by Acuff’s scoring outburst.
- The Razorbacks’ relentless attack saw them build a lead as large as 17 points before closing out the game.
- Meleek Thomas rebounded from a scoreless first half to contribute significantly in the final 20 minutes.
Game Notes:
- Arkansas’ starting lineup remained consistent with Acuff Jr., Thomas, Richmond III, Brazile, and Pringle.
- Richmond III set the tone early with a dunk to open the scoring.
- Acuff Jr. not only excelled offensively but also defensively, recording three steals, his best in an SEC game this season.
This victory marks another chapter in the storied rivalry between Arkansas and Texas A&M, with the Razorbacks extending their series lead. As Coach Calipari inches closer to a career milestone, the Razorbacks’ focus remains on maintaining their momentum heading into the next challenge.