UPDATE: Freshman sensation Darius Acuff Jr. made headlines today, scoring a career-high 29 points to propel the No. 18 Arkansas Razorbacks to a thrilling 86-75 victory over No. 19 Tennessee Volunteers in their Southeastern Conference opener in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The game unfolded dramatically on January 6, 2024, with Arkansas (11-3) executing a stunning 18-5 run in just over six minutes, flipping a five-point deficit into an eight-point lead with 5:40 remaining. This surge was pivotal, as Tennessee (10-4) struggled offensively, hitting only 2 of 10 shots during Arkansas’ explosive stretch.
With just over two minutes left, Acuff sealed the momentum with a crucial 3-pointer from the wing, pushing the Razorbacks ahead 79-68. Despite Tennessee’s strong shooting performance at 49%, they faltered at the free-throw line, converting only 12 of 23 opportunities compared to Arkansas’ impressive 29 of 33.
Acuff’s standout performance was complemented by Meleek Thomas, who contributed 18 points, while Malique Ewin added 12 points and Karter Knox chipped in 11 points. For Tennessee, Amari Evans led the charge with 17 points, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the field.
This victory marks Arkansas’s first win in their SEC opener since the 2020-21 season. The Razorbacks have consistently shown prowess in NCAA tournaments, reaching the Sweet 16 in four of the last five seasons and making two Elite Eight appearances.
Looking ahead, Arkansas will face Ole Miss on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, while Tennessee prepares to host Texas on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how both teams respond after this intense matchup.
Stay tuned for more updates as the college basketball season unfolds. This game not only highlights the rising talent of Acuff but also sets the stage for a competitive SEC landscape this season.