A standout individual performance by Darius Acuff Jr., who scored 49 points, was not enough to secure a victory for the No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks against the No. 25 Alabama Crimson Tide. The college basketball game, held on Wednesday night, extended into a double overtime period before concluding with a 117-115 score in favor of Alabama. The contest was marked by high scoring from both teams, with Acuff Jr. achieving a personal career best in points.
Game Summary and Key Events
The matchup between Arkansas and Alabama was characterized by a dynamic offensive display from the outset. The game's intensity and scoring pace persisted throughout regulation and into the extra periods.
Final Score: No. 25 Alabama 117, No. 20 Arkansas 115 (Double Overtime)
Darius Acuff Jr.'s Performance: He recorded 49 points, making 16 of 27 field goal attempts, including 6 of 10 three-pointers. Acuff Jr. also contributed five rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block.
Overtime Impact: Acuff Jr. was involved in nine of Arkansas' 10 points scored during the overtime periods. However, key players for Arkansas, Meleek Thomas and Billy Richmond III, both fouled out, impacting the team's strategy in the crucial final minutes.
Individual and Team Statistics
While Acuff Jr.'s offensive output was exceptional, other players also made significant contributions.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darius Acuff Jr. | Arkansas | 49 | 5 | 5 |
| Meleek Thomas | Arkansas | 24 | - | - |
| Billy Richmond III | Arkansas | 20 | - | - |
| Labaron Philon Jr. | Alabama | 35 | - | - |
| Aiden Sherrell | Alabama | 26 | 13 | - |
| Amari Allen | Alabama | 19 | 11 | - |
Note: Data for some statistics (indicated by '-') was not fully detailed in the provided summaries.
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Darius Acuff Jr.'s Record-Setting Performance
Acuff Jr.'s 49-point effort marked a significant milestone in his collegiate career and for the Arkansas program.
Career High: The 49 points represent a personal best for Acuff Jr.
Program History: This scoring total places his performance among the highest single-game point totals in Arkansas Razorbacks history. He is noted alongside Josh Hubbard, who previously scored 46 points for Arkansas in a game.
Overtime Dynamics and Player Availability
The extended game time and subsequent player attrition, particularly due to fouls, played a critical role in the game's outcome.
Foul Trouble: Arkansas relied on a seven-man rotation during regulation, but foul issues in overtime limited their available players.
Key Fouls: Both Meleek Thomas and Billy Richmond III fouled out, removing key offensive contributors for Arkansas in the critical overtime periods.
Broader Basketball Context
Acuff Jr.'s performance drew attention not only from college basketball observers but also from those tracking potential NBA draft prospects. His ability to produce such a high scoring output against a ranked opponent like Alabama underscored his talent. The game itself is described as a "shootout" and a "double overtime extravaganza," indicating a highly competitive and high-scoring contest.
Conclusion and Implications
The game between No. 20 Arkansas and No. 25 Alabama culminated in a narrow 117-115 victory for Alabama after double overtime. While Darius Acuff Jr. delivered an exceptional individual performance with a career-high 49 points, his efforts were ultimately insufficient to overcome the collective strength of Alabama, exacerbated by Arkansas' issues with player availability due to fouls in overtime. Acuff Jr.'s historic scoring game serves as a prominent individual highlight within a closely contested conference matchup.
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Sources Used:
The New York Times (The Athletic): Provided details on the game's scoring, overtime, and individual performances of key players.
Link: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7056794/2026/02/18/arkansas-alabama-darius-acuff-points-overtime/
Sporting News: Offered a comprehensive overview of the game, including the final score, Acuff Jr.'s points, and the impact of foul trouble on Arkansas' rotation.
USA Today: Focused on Acuff Jr.'s scoring record within the context of Arkansas' history, citing previous high-scoring games.
Bleacher Report: Highlighted Acuff Jr.'s scoring efficiency and his involvement in overtime points, as well as his overall statistical contribution.
