Arkansas
Oklahoma
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (03/13/2026) — Propelled by a monumental 37-point performance from guard Darius Acuff Jr., the Arkansas Razorbacks outlasted the Oklahoma Sooners 82-79 in a thrilling, back-and-forth affair at Bridgestone Arena. In a contest that featured 12 lead changes and 11 ties, Acuff’s offensive masterclass was the deciding factor, sending the Razorbacks forward in postseason play.
How It Happened
The game’s blistering pace was set from the opening possession. Acuff Jr. drained a 25-foot three-pointer just 18 seconds into the game, signaling his intent. The first half was a duel between Acuff’s individual brilliance and Oklahoma’s balanced attack. While Acuff scored from all over the floor, including a powerful dunk at the 17:18 mark, the Sooners answered with timely buckets from Nijel Pack and Tae Davis. A driving layup by Pack with 9:07 on the clock gave Oklahoma a 20-19 edge, encapsulating a period where neither team could create separation. Oklahoma managed to build a small cushion, but Acuff kept Arkansas within striking distance, hitting a 26-foot three-pointer just before the halftime buzzer to cut the Sooners' lead to 39-37.
The second half picked up right where the first left off. The lead swung back and forth, with a Meleek Thomas three-pointer pulling Arkansas to within one before a Nick Pringle tip-in dunk gave the Razorbacks a 42-41 lead. Oklahoma forward Derrion Reid answered immediately with a dunk of his own. The Razorbacks found a crucial secondary scorer in Trevon Brazile, whose tip-in dunk with 12:37 remaining gave Arkansas a 54-50 advantage, its largest lead to that point. The Sooners refused to fade, with Pack hitting a three-pointer at the 9:38 mark to push Oklahoma back in front, 61-57.
Turning Point
In a game defined by constant responses, the decisive sequence came in the final five minutes. After an Malique Ewin dunk put Arkansas ahead 69-67, the Razorbacks' defense forced a stop. On the ensuing possession, Meleek Thomas found Trevon Brazile for a thunderous dunk with 3:47 left to play, extending the Arkansas lead to 73-67. The two-possession advantage was a critical buffer in a game where points had been traded so freely. The play energized the pro-Arkansas crowd of 15,085 and forced Oklahoma into a difficult comeback situation against a dwindling clock, a deficit they could not ultimately overcome.
Star of the Game
Darius Acuff Jr. was, without question, the best player on the floor. The Arkansas guard delivered an all-time performance, finishing with 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He was the Razorbacks' offensive engine, consistently creating shots for himself and others while single-handedly answering every Oklahoma run. His efficiency was just as impressive as his volume, and his clutch shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, was the primary reason Arkansas emerged victorious. Trevon Brazile also played a pivotal role, securing a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the glass at critical moments.
What It Means
For the Arkansas Razorbacks, the win is a significant postseason statement, showcasing their ability to win a high-pressure, possession-by-possession game. Acuff’s performance confirms his status as one of the conference's elite players, capable of carrying his team on the biggest stage. The victory keeps their season alive and builds momentum for their next matchup.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, the loss is a crushing end to a hard-fought contest. They executed a strong offensive game plan, shooting 45% from the field and placing four players in double figures, led by Nijel Pack (19 PTS), Tae Davis (17 PTS), and Derrion Reid (17 PTS). Ultimately, they had no defensive answer for Acuff Jr. The defeat stings, but it came after a valiant effort where they went toe-to-toe with a conference rival until the final buzzer.