For the first time since 2017, Arkansas will play in the championship game of the SEC Tournament in Nashville.
The Razorbacks got there by knocking out Ole Miss, 93-90 on Saturday afternoon, putting an end to the team that a had a magical run through the first three rounds of the tournament.
But the Hogs needed an overtime to do it. It might not have been so dramatic if Arkansas had been able to hit some free throws in the final five seconds of regulation and late in overtime.
Meleek Thomas, who led everybody in scoring with XX, could have had more but missed two to seal the game in regulation. That set up the Rebels AJ Storr to drive the length of the floor for dunk at the buzzer to get an overtime period.
Three missed free throws by Trevon Brazile in the final 19 seconds of overtime kept Ole Miss in the game and Darius Acuff missed another one. That gave Ole Miss a chance at the end.
Storr put up a three-pointer at the end of overtime clanged off the front of the rim and now the Razorbacks have to face another team with a surprising tournament run. Vanderbilt blew out No. 1-seed Florida on Saturday.
The Rebels were trying to become the first No. 15 seed to play in a championship game in tournament history. The Hogs ended that chance.
Arkansas builds early lead before Rebels rally
Arkansas grabbed an early edge in the first half when Billy Richmond slammed an alley-oop pass from Acuff to make it 4-2 with about 18 minutes remaining.
That basket marked the first time Ole Miss had trailed in the tournament.
The Razorbacks quickly added to their advantage with a strong run. Arkansas scored 13 of the next 15 points to build a 19-9 lead with 12:32 remaining in the opening half.
During that stretch, Brazile energized the Hogs with two dunks while Jonas Aidoo Thomas connected on two three-pointers. The burst helped Arkansas create early breathing room.
But Ole Miss responded midway through the half. The Rebels caught fire and made six of eight shots from the field to trim the Razorbacks’ lead to 29-28 with 4:29 left before halftime.
Arkansas answered with another quick push. The Hogs scored six straight points in just 44 seconds, forcing Rebels coach Chris Beard to call a timeout as Arkansas regained control.
The final minutes of the half belonged to Ole Miss, however. Arkansas struggled offensively, going through a scoring drought lasted 2:21. The Razorbacks missed their final four shots and six of their last seven attempts before halftime.
Ole Miss took advantage and closed the half with a 6-0 run. Patton Pinkins was fouled on a half-court heave at the buzzer and converted three free throws, pulling the Rebels within 37-36 at the break.
Second half turns into tight contest
The game remained tight throughout the second half as both teams traded baskets and momentum.
Arkansas finally created some separation late when the Razorbacks delivered a quick scoring burst. Over a 58-second span, the Hogs produced a 6-0 run capped by two powerful dunks from Malique Ewin.
That short surge gave Arkansas a 64-58 lead and forced Ole Miss to call a timeout while Arkansas fans erupted in celebration.
Even after that run, the Rebels refused to go away. AJ Storr led the charge for Ole Miss and finished with a team-high 24 points.
Storr continued to pressure the Razorbacks down the stretch, keeping the Rebels within reach late in the game.
Darius Acuff also played a key role for Arkansas. The Razorbacks guard scored 24 points and delivered one of the biggest plays late in regulation.
With 2:38 remaining, Acuff waved off help and knocked down a contested three-pointer. The shot helped keep Arkansas in front and proved important as the game moved toward the closing seconds.
Late drama sends game to overtime
The final moments of regulation brought more tension.
Travis Perry drilled a corner three-pointer that cut Arkansas’ lead to 78-75. Ole Miss then gained possession with just nine seconds remaining.
Ilias Kamardine stepped to the free-throw line and calmly made both shots, bringing the Rebels within one point at 78-77.
Arkansas had a chance to seal the game when Thomas was fouled. He missed the first free throw but made the second, leaving the door open.
Storr then raced the length of the floor and scored a layup with 1.1 seconds remaining to tie the game and send the contest to overtime.
Free throws secure overtime victory
The extra period stayed tight as both teams battled for control.
Arkansas eventually gained a small edge in the final seconds. Brazile split a pair of free throws to give the Razorbacks a 93-90 lead with 1.7 seconds remaining.
Ole Miss had one final opportunity, but Perry’s long attempt at the buzzer missed the mark.
The Razorbacks escaped with the win after surviving the late push from the Rebels.
Ole Miss’ season ended with the defeat. The Rebels had become the lowest-seeded team ever to reach a conference semifinal before falling in overtime.
For Arkansas, the victory added another chapter to its SEC Tournament history.
The program’s only conference tournament championship came in 2000, while its most recent title-game appearance before this run ended in an 82-65 loss to Kentucky in 2017 when current Arkansas coach John Calipari led the Wildcats.
