Arkansas Razorbacks Open SEC Play With Statement Win Over Tennessee

No. 18 Arkansas opened Southeastern Conference play with an 86-75 win over No. 19 Tennessee on Saturday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena, pulling away late in a game that remained tight for much of the afternoon. The matchup unfolded as a physical, evenly balanced contest, with 11 lead changes and neither team able to build sustained separation.

For extended stretches, the largest run by either side was just seven points, and Arkansas carried a narrow one-point advantage into halftime. The Razorbacks finally gained control in the closing minutes, leaning on timely defense and shot-making to close out the win.

Freshman guard Darius Acuff delivered a career-high 29 points to lead Arkansas and punctuated the performance with a late three-pointer that served as the decisive blow. In his SEC debut, Acuff set the tone early, repeatedly answering Tennessee runs and establishing himself as the game’s most influential player.

A Tight First Half at Bud Walton Arena

Tennessee jumped out early after winning the opening tip, building a 7-0 lead behind a Boswell three and a Gillespie layup. Arkansas struggled to find its rhythm in the opening minutes, missing several shots before head coach John Calipari called an early timeout.

Arkansas responded immediately. Acuff ignited a 7-0 run with a three pointer, and the surge was punctuated by an emphatic putback dunk from Brazile after an Acuff pull up miss. Bud Walton Arena erupted, and the game was tied 9-9 at the first media timeout.

Acuff continued to pace Arkansas offensively, while Brazile provided energy around the rim. Neither team was able to create separation, with multiple ties and lead changes throughout the half. Acuff closed the opening period by knocking down a pull-up jumper at the buzzer, sending Arkansas into halftime with a slim 37-36 lead.

Second Half Swings

Gillespie opened the second half with a three, but Arkansas responded quickly as Ewin finished a second-chance basket to tie the game. Ament scored and split free throws to push Tennessee ahead 42-39 before Brazile trimmed the deficit.

After the timeout, Tennessee briefly extended the lead, but Thomas tied the game with a four-point play. The teams traded baskets until Estrella’s free throws made it 53-48. Knox answered with a three-point play, and Acuff closed the stretch by scoring at the rim and hitting free throws to pull Arkansas within one at 58-57.

Knox blocked Carey’s layup attempt, but Acuff turned the ball over on the ensuing possession. Carey returned the favor with a turnover, leading to an Acuff layup that put Arkansas ahead.

Brazile and Acuff went to the bench as Richmond and Wagner entered. Ewin was fouled and made both free throws to extend the lead to 61-58.

Arkansas Seizes Control Late

After a review, Tennessee kept possession, but both teams went scoreless until Knox was fouled with 7:26 remaining and split free throws. Ewin then recorded his fourth block, leading to another trip for Knox, who made both to put Arkansas up 64–58.

Ament missed a jumper and fouled Ewin, who made both free throws to push the lead to eight. Gillespie hit a three, Wagner added two free throws, and Evans put back an Ament miss to cut it to 68–63.

After a turnover by Thomas, Boswell split free throws to bring Tennessee within four. Ewin’s offensive rebound was stripped by Boswell, who scored, but Acuff responded with a pull-up three to give Arkansas a 71–66 edge at the final media timeout.

Gillespie hit two free throws, Ewin answered with two of his own, and after a five-second violation on Ament, Knox drained his first three of the game. Ewin forced a miss on Okpara, and Acuff then buried a dagger three to push Arkansas’ largest lead to 79–68.

Arkansas extended the margin to 14, never allowing Tennessee closer than nine in the final two minutes. Thomas’ final two free throws sealed the 86–75 win.

Acuff Announces Himself on the SEC Stage

Darius Acuff launched his SEC Player of the Year campaign with a standout performance in the conference opener. The freshman established a new career high with 29 points and outplayed the only SEC player ranked higher than him in the 2025 recruiting class.

With Arkansas struggling early, Acuff scored the team’s first seven points. He later capped an 8-0 run with a dagger three to push the lead to 79-68 with 2:09 remaining. At every moment of his first SEC game, Acuff rose to the occasion.

Nate Ament’s struggle filled 13 point performance for Tennessee underscored the contrast between the SEC’s most highly touted freshmen.

In two of his last three games, Acuff has excelled against elite defenses. In a Dec. 20 loss to Houston, he made 9 of 15 shots, finishing with 27 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Against Tennessee, he went 9 of 16 from the field, including a stretch where he scored eight straight Arkansas points in the second half.

A Step Forward in Conference Play

One year ago, Arkansas opened conference play with a 76-52 loss at Tennessee. Saturday’s result marked a significant improvement and a strong start to SEC play. The Razorbacks will next travel to face Ole Miss at the Pavilion on Jan. 7.