Arkansas
PORTLAND, Ore. (03/21/2026) — The Arkansas Razorbacks survived a relentless offensive assault from the High Point Panthers, leaning on a brilliant 36-point performance from guard Darius Acuff Jr. to secure a 94-88 victory Saturday night at the Moda Center.
In a back-and-forth contest that featured 12 lead changes and six ties, Arkansas' superior three-point shooting proved to be the difference. The Razorbacks shot a blistering 56% from behind the arc, fending off a Panther squad that refused to back down.
How It Happened
The game was a high-octane affair from the opening tip. High Point established its intent early, with guard Rob Martin and forward Terry Anderson attacking the basket. A three-pointer from Martin gave the Panthers a 5-2 lead less than two minutes into the game. Arkansas countered with its own long-range attack, as guard Meleek Thomas connected on a 28-foot jumper to keep the Razorbacks within striking distance.
The first half was a showcase of shot-making. Acuff Jr.'s driving layup at the 15:11 mark gave Arkansas its first lead at 10-9. The two teams traded blows, with neither able to build a lead larger than a few possessions. An alley-oop dunk by Arkansas forward Billy Richmond III with 3:04 left in the half put the Razorbacks up 35-31, but High Point answered every punch.
A late three-pointer by Panthers guard Chase Johnston gave High Point a 42-41 advantage with just 16 seconds on the clock. However, Acuff Jr. drew a foul on the ensuing possession and calmly sank two free throws, sending Arkansas into the locker room with a razor-thin 43-42 lead.
The second half picked up right where the first left off. Cam'Ron Fletcher, who was a force all night for High Point, threw down a dunk to tie the game at 52-52 with 15:35 remaining. The lead continued to seesaw, with Fletcher and Martin hitting clutch three-pointers to repeatedly put the Panthers ahead. Fletcher’s triple with 11:18 remaining gave High Point what would be its final lead of the game at 62-60.
Turning Point
Trailing 62-60 with under 11 minutes to play, Arkansas needed an answer. Darius Acuff Jr. provided it. Just 25 seconds after High Point took the lead, Acuff Jr. pulled up from 27 feet and drained a go-ahead three-pointer, silencing the Panthers' momentum and giving the Razorbacks a 63-62 advantage. From that moment, Arkansas seized control and never trailed again, using that critical basket as the springboard to close out a hard-fought victory.
Star of the Game
Darius Acuff Jr. was the undisputed star, delivering one of the finest performances of the season. The Razorback guard was virtually unstoppable, pouring in a game-high 36 points while dishing out 6 assists. He consistently made crucial plays, whether driving to the rim or hitting deep threes to swing the momentum.
Arkansas also received key contributions from its frontcourt. Billy Richmond III posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and center Malique Ewin was a force inside with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Meleek Thomas added 19 points, providing a vital secondary scoring option.
For High Point, Rob Martin was sensational in the loss, scoring 30 points and adding 5 assists. Cam'Ron Fletcher was equally impressive, finishing with 25 points and 8 rebounds.
What It Means
For the Arkansas Razorbacks, it's a gritty win that demonstrates their offensive ceiling and clutch-time execution. While giving up 88 points raises questions on the defensive end, the team's efficiency (51% FG, 56% 3PT) and the star power of Acuff Jr. proved enough to advance. The double-doubles from Richmond III and Ewin show a balanced attack that will be necessary moving forward.
For the High Point Panthers, it's a heartbreaking end to a remarkable effort. They went toe-to-toe with an SEC power, leading for significant stretches and never backing down. Their performance, led by the dynamic trio of Martin, Fletcher, and Anderson, earned national respect and confirmed their status as a dangerous, high-powered offensive team.