Arkansas
PORTLAND, Ore. (03/18/2026) — The Arkansas Razorbacks put on an offensive clinic Wednesday, securing a commanding 97-78 victory over the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors at the Moda Center. Led by a brilliant all-around performance from guard Darius Acuff Jr., the Razorbacks established control from the opening tip and never relinquished it, leading wire-to-wire in a dominant display.
Arkansas shot an efficient 54% from the field and dished out 26 assists, overwhelming Hawai'i with relentless pace and paint presence. Acuff Jr. orchestrated the attack with 24 points and 7 assists, while forward Malique Ewin anchored the frontcourt with 12 rebounds.
How It Happened
From the outset, Arkansas asserted its dominance. The Razorbacks opened the game on an 11-0 run, starting with a driving layup by Meleek Thomas just 19 seconds into the contest. A three-pointer from Acuff Jr. at the 17:58 mark pushed the early lead to 7-0, and Hawai'i was forced into a reactive posture for the remainder of the game.
The lead swelled to 20-4 after a Trevon Brazile three-pointer with 13:15 left in the first half. While the Rainbow Warriors mounted several pushes to stay within striking distance, highlighted by a pair of three-pointers from Isaac Johnson and Isaac Finlinson, Arkansas had an answer for every challenge.
The Razorbacks' athleticism was on full display with a barrage of alley-oop dunks that demoralized the Hawai'i defense. Malique Ewin was the recipient of three thunderous dunks in the first half alone, part of a sequence that also saw Brazile and Billy Richmond III finish lobs at the rim. This aerial assault helped Arkansas build an insurmountable 54-36 lead by halftime.
The second half saw more of the same. Though Hawai'i's Isaac Johnson and Dre Bullock continued to score, they could not slow the Razorbacks' offense. An Acuff Jr. three-pointer with 12:17 remaining extended the Arkansas advantage to 73-53, effectively sealing the outcome.
Turning Point
The game was decided in the first two minutes. Arkansas's game-opening 11-0 run set an immediate and decisive tone. The Razorbacks scored on their first possession and never allowed Hawai'i to settle in defensively. With zero lead changes and zero ties throughout the entire contest, that initial burst was the definitive moment. Hawai'i spent all 40 minutes attempting to climb out of a hole that was dug before the first media timeout.
Star of the Game
Darius Acuff Jr. was the clear engine for the Razorbacks. The guard was a constant threat, blending his scoring prowess with exceptional court vision. He finished with a game-high 24 points and 7 assists, consistently breaking down the defense to either score himself or create high-percentage looks for his teammates. His command of the offense ensured Arkansas remained in complete control from start to finish.
Malique Ewin also delivered a pivotal performance, controlling the interior with 12 rebounds. His work on the glass limited second-chance opportunities for Hawai'i and ignited the Razorbacks' transition game, while his powerful finishing at the rim provided several highlight-reel plays.
What It Means
For the Arkansas Razorbacks, this victory is a powerful statement about their offensive potential. Scoring 97 points on 54% shooting with 26 assists demonstrates a level of execution and talent that can challenge any opponent. The team's ability to score efficiently in the paint, fueled by athletic finishers like Ewin and Brazile, makes them a formidable matchup.
For the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors, the loss exposes defensive vulnerabilities against a top-tier athletic opponent. Despite finding some offensive rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc where they connected on 14 three-pointers, they had no answer for Arkansas's size and speed. The inability to get defensive stops or control the boards prevented them from ever mounting a serious comeback threat.