Arkansas Brings the Heat in New Orleans, Outmuscles LSU in Physical SEC Clash
In a gritty SEC showdown under the lights of the Smoothie King Center, Arkansas flexed its muscle-literally and figuratively-against LSU. From the opening tip, the Razorbacks came out with an edge, setting the tone with aggressive defense, fast-paced transition play, and a handful of highlight-reel moments that left the Tigers scrambling to keep up.
One of the early statements came courtesy of Trevon Brazile, who sent a message with a clean, emphatic block on LSU’s Robert Miller III. It was the kind of play that doesn’t just get the bench hyped-it shifts momentum. Brazile’s timing was perfect, and it served as a preview of the kind of rim protection Arkansas would bring all night.
But this wasn’t a one-man show.
Darius Acuff Jr. continued to show why he’s one of the most electric guards in the conference. Early in the first half, he attacked LSU’s interior with confidence, challenging the Tigers' length and finishing through contact. His ability to create offense off the dribble gave Arkansas a steady source of pressure, especially when LSU tried to slow the pace.
And then there was Malique Ewin. The big man threw down a thunderous dunk over two LSU defenders-Jalen Reece and Mike Nwoko-that brought the Arkansas bench to its feet and the crowd to a roar. Ewin’s physicality in the paint was a problem all night for the Tigers, who struggled to match Arkansas’ size and athleticism around the rim.
LSU, to its credit, had its moments. Marquel Sutton knocked down a smooth three-pointer that briefly cut into the Razorbacks’ lead and gave the Tigers a spark. But every time LSU looked like it might claw its way back, Arkansas had an answer-whether it was a defensive stop, a transition bucket, or a second-chance score off the glass.
The battle on the perimeter was just as intense. Billy Richmond III and Max MacKinnon got tangled up in a fierce scramble for a loose ball, showcasing the kind of hustle and heart that made this game feel like a classic SEC brawl. These weren’t just highlight plays-they were tone-setters, the kind that define a team’s identity in February when every possession starts to matter just a little more.
For Arkansas, this was more than just a win-it was a statement. The Razorbacks didn’t just beat LSU; they outworked them, outmuscled them, and out-executed them in key moments. With the conference schedule heating up and postseason positioning on the line, performances like this can go a long way.
LSU will have to regroup quickly. The Tigers have talent, no doubt, but in a game that demanded physicality and poise, they came up short in both departments. There’s still time to course-correct, but nights like these are a reminder of just how unforgiving SEC basketball can be.
For now, it’s Arkansas walking out of New Orleans with the kind of win that builds confidence-and maybe even fear in future opponents.