In a high-energy non-conference clash at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Arkansas and Texas Tech brought a taste of March to mid-December. Both squads showcased their athleticism and intensity, trading highlight plays and defensive stops in a game that felt anything but routine.
For Arkansas, Karter Knox delivered one of the night’s signature moments - a thunderous transition dunk that electrified the Razorbacks’ bench and reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dynamic freshmen in the country. His ability to finish in traffic and rise above defenders continues to be a major asset for Arkansas’ up-tempo attack.
Texas Tech, however, didn’t back down. Jaylen Petty responded with a momentum-shifting three-pointer, turning to the crowd with visible emotion after the shot dropped. That kind of confidence has become a calling card for this Red Raiders team, which thrives on energy and perimeter shooting.
Inside the paint, JT Toppin was relentless for Texas Tech. He battled through contact and challenged Arkansas’ length at the rim, refusing to be intimidated by the Razorbacks’ size. On one possession, he muscled up a tough shot over two defenders - a sequence that summed up his grit and willingness to take the fight to the frontcourt.
Christian Anderson also made his presence felt for the Red Raiders, showing off his scoring instincts with aggressive drives and crafty finishes. He consistently looked for his shot, giving Tech another offensive spark when they needed it most.
Arkansas countered with a physical presence of their own. Trevon Brazile and Meleek Thomas were all over the glass, hustling for rebounds and diving into traffic to secure second-chance opportunities. That duo’s work on the boards helped Arkansas control key stretches of the game, especially when things got tight late.
Defensively, Arkansas made life tough for Toppin down the stretch. Nick Pringle and Thomas teamed up to crowd the post, using their length and timing to contest shots and cut off passing lanes. It was a textbook example of how Arkansas wants to defend - aggressive, swarming, and always with help nearby.
This one had all the makings of a tournament-style battle: physical defense, big-time shot-making, and no shortage of emotion. Both teams walked away with valuable experience, and if this is the kind of basketball we’re getting in December, the rest of the season is going to be a wild ride.