FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. scored 20 points, and No. 21 Arkansas held off a late push from Samford for a 79-75 win Friday night at Bud Walton Arena.
The Razorbacks improved to 3-1, staying unbeaten at home as they moved through the early part of their nonconference schedule.
Another freshman, guard Meleek Thomas, finished with 17 points and eight rebounds.
Senior forward Trevon Brazile returned after missing time with back spasms and added 15 points and seven rebounds.
DJ Wagner and Billy Richmond III also reached double figures with 10 points each. Arkansas placed five players in double digits for the first time this season.
The Razorbacks built a 15-point lead in the second half before Samford made a late run.
The Bulldogs cut the margin to single digits in the final minutes after struggling to match Arkansas’ pace early.
Samford scored 40 points in the second half after putting up 35 before the break.
Arkansas controlled the game in transition, finishing with a 22-9 edge in fast-break scoring.
The Razorbacks also outscored Samford 40-32 in the paint, using their size and length at the rim. The team’s ability to get downhill, especially through its young guards, created most of the separation.
Samford showed better balance in the second half. Guard Cade Norris and reserve forward Zion Wilburn each scored 15 points to lead the Bulldogs.
Wilburn sparked the bench with physical play inside, while Norris found room on the perimeter after halftime.
Samford stayed within reach as Arkansas cooled from the field, but the Razorbacks held firm in the final minute.
Arkansas entered the night having won its first two home games by large margins. The Razorbacks’ only loss came earlier on the road when they fell to then-No. 22 Michigan State, 69-66.
Friday’s game marked the closest home contest of the season as Samford tested Arkansas’ defense late.
Coach Lennie Acuff, in his first season leading Samford, saw his team bounce back from heavy travel after a 93-90 road win in overtime earlier in the week.
The Bulldogs dropped to 2-2 but showed stretches of efficient offense and perimeter pressure.
Thomas continued his strong start as one of Arkansas’ top rebounding guards. He helped the Razorbacks keep second-chance chances alive and often matched up with bigger Samford forwards.
His eight rebounds were the most among Arkansas players.
Brazile’s steady return also helped the Razorbacks close out the game. He moved fluidly despite missing previous time and hit several mid-range shots that slowed the Bulldogs’ momentum.
His presence on the glass and as a cutter opened space for Acuff and Thomas to attack.
Samford’s rally tightens second half
Norris found rhythm late, scoring key baskets during a 12-3 Samford run. The Bulldogs pushed the pace and forced Arkansas into tough shots.
Their improved shooting and interior passing cut what had been a comfortable Arkansas lead to a two-possession game.
Arkansas held on behind free throws and defensive rebounds in the final minute. The Razorbacks played cleaner late than earlier in the half, when rushed possessions allowed Samford to close the margin.
Arkansas’ ability to secure the defensive glass, along with Thomas’ pressure on the perimeter, helped end the threat.
The Razorbacks scored consistently at the basket throughout the game.
They used ball screens to open driving lanes for Acuff, who hit key floaters and finished strong at the rim. Richmond added slashing drives that kept Samford from overloading the paint.
Wagner, often working as a secondary ballhandler, supplied balance with timely mid-range shots.
His 10 points came in situations where Arkansas needed to reset its offense. Richmond scored in transition, hitting open lanes when Arkansas pushed after turnovers.
Razorbacks move to 3-1 heading into next week
Arkansas will continue its homestand Tuesday when Winthrop visits Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks have won all three home games by a combined margin of 73 points.
Their defense has allowed 75 or fewer in each of their wins.
Samford will travel to face Central Arkansas on Sunday.
The Bulldogs continue a stretch of road games under their new coaching staff and will try to build on Friday’s late surge.
Key takeaways
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Freshman guards Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas led Arkansas with a combined 37 points and strong rebounding.
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Samford cut a 15-point deficit in the second half, but Arkansas held on with late defense and transition scoring.
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Five Razorbacks reached double figures as the team improved to 3-1 and stayed unbeaten at home.
