Arkansas took care of business at home Wednesday night, using a strong first half to beat the Texas A&M Aggies 99-84 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark.
The Razorbacks didn’t waste time setting the tone. They pushed the pace, attacked the rim and built a steady lead before halftime. By the break, the Hogs had control of the scoreboard and the rhythm of the game.
Arkansas shot the ball with confidence in the opening 20 minutes. The Razorbacks found good looks inside and outside, and they moved the ball well to create open shots. That early edge forced Texas A&M to play from behind the rest of the night.
The Hogs also stayed calm when the Aggies tried to answer. Arkansas handled pressure, limited mistakes and made sure each A&M run was met with a quick response on the other end.
By halftime, the Razorbacks had built a double-digit advantage. The Hogs knew the job wasn’t done, but the strong start gave them space to work in the second half.
Arkansas didn’t let up after the break. The Razorbacks continued to score in transition and from the free-throw line. Every time Texas A&M tried to trim the margin, the Hogs found a basket to steady things.
The lead never disappeared. Arkansas stayed focused on defense, forced turnovers and turned those chances into points. That balance helped the Razorbacks protect their home floor.
Balanced scoring fuels Arkansas
One of the biggest reasons for the win was the play of Billy Richmond III. Richmond poured in 23 points and led the Hogs with steady scoring all night. He shot efficiently and stepped to the line with confidence.
The Razorbacks also leaned on Darius Acuff Jr., who added 22 points and handed out seven assists. Acuff attacked the defense and set up teammates when help defenders stepped in his way.
Arkansas got key production from Trevon Brazile as well. Brazile scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds. His presence inside helped the Razorbacks control the paint.
The Hogs saw double-figure scoring from M. Thomas, who finished with 13 points. Arkansas didn’t rely on just one player. The Razorbacks spread the scoring around, which made it tough for Texas A&M to key in on any one threat.
Arkansas finished the night shooting just over 50 percent from the field. The Razorbacks were sharp at the free-throw line too, knocking down 29 of 33 attempts. That 88 percent mark helped the Hogs keep the scoreboard moving late.
Rebounding also tilted toward Arkansas. The Razorbacks pulled down 36 boards compared to 28 for Texas A&M. That edge limited second-chance points and gave the Hogs extra possessions.
Defense, discipline seal win
Texas A&M didn’t fold quietly. The Aggies shot well and tried to chip away at the lead in the second half.
But Arkansas never let the margin slip into dangerous territory.
The Razorbacks forced 16 turnovers while committing only nine. That difference showed up in transition, where the Hogs converted mistakes into easy points.
Arkansas also made smart decisions with the ball. The Razorbacks avoided long scoring droughts and stayed patient when the defense tightened.
That steady approach kept the pressure on Texas A&M.
When the Aggies made a push midway through the second half, the Hogs answered with back-to-back baskets and solid defense. Arkansas didn’t rush shots or gamble on risky passes. The Razorbacks simply trusted their system.
Late in the game, the Hogs closed it out at the free-throw line. Arkansas stepped up calmly and made sure there would be no comeback story for the visitors.
It was a complete performance on offense and defense, built on a strong start and steady finish.
