Acuff sweeps SEC awards as Razorbacks’ trio earns league honors

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Acuff sweeps SEC awards as Razorbacks’ trio earns league honors

Now Hog fans can brag they have watched the top playerin the Southeastern Conference this season. It doesn’t need a qualifier term in front of that.

Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. swept the SEC’s top honors after being named SEC Player of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year by the league’s coaches.

The standout point guard also earned First Team All-SEC recognition and a place on the SEC All-Freshman team. The awards capped a remarkable debut season for the Detroit native and placed him among the league’s most productive players.

Two more Razorbacks joined Acuff on the SEC honors list. Billy Richmond III earned a spot on the conference’s All-Defensive team, while Meleek Thomas was selected to the SEC All-Freshman squad.

Together, the trio highlighted a season in which the Hogs relied heavily on young talent while competing in one of the nation’s toughest leagues.

Acuff’s sweep of the conference’s major awards placed him in rare company. Only two other players in league history have won both Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year in the same season.

The freshman guard also became just the third player in program history to win SEC Player of the Year, joining Corliss Williamson and Bobby Portis.

Acuff powered the Razorbacks throughout the season with elite scoring and playmaking numbers. He led the SEC with 22.2 points per game and also paced the league in assists with 6.4 per contest.

The freshman finished the year with the conference’s best assist-to-turnover ratio at 3.2 and ranked among league leaders in shooting percentage.

In SEC games alone, Acuff averaged 24.8 points and 6.7 assists while setting several program records for production during conference play.

Richmond’s defense and Thomas’ scoring add to Hogs honors

While Acuff grabbed the biggest headlines, the Hogs also saw two other players recognized for their impact during the season.

Richmond earned a spot on the SEC All-Defensive team after regularly taking on the assignment of guarding opponents’ top players. The versatile defender often matched up against multiple positions, including guards and forwards.

His defensive numbers reflected that workload. Richmond finished the season with 26 blocked shots and 33 steals, including 24 steals in SEC play.

He also contributed offensively. During conference games, Richmond shot 57.4 percent from the field, ranking second in the SEC in that category.

Richmond’s selection marked the ninth time a Razorbacks player has been named to the SEC All-Defensive team.

Thomas joined Acuff on the SEC All-Freshman team after emerging as one of the conference’s most productive first-year scorers.

The Pittsburgh native averaged 15.4 points and 3.9 rebounds during the season. His scoring total ranked 18th in the SEC.

Thomas also ranked among conference leaders in several categories. He finished 10th in both steals and three-pointers made while shooting 46.2 percent in SEC games.

Late in the year, the Razorbacks guard caught fire from long distance. He shot 48.7 percent from three-point range during conference play, setting a program record for three-point accuracy in SEC games.

The honor placed Thomas among a growing list of standout freshmen in the program’s history.

Razorbacks freshmen make history together

The Hogs placed two players on the SEC All-Freshman team this season, highlighting the impact of their young roster.

Acuff and Thomas became the 21st and 22nd Razorbacks players to earn SEC All-Freshman recognition.

It also marked only the third time in program history that two Arkansas teammates received the honor in the same season.

The previous duos were Ronnie Brewer and Olu Famutimi in 2004 and Scotty Thurman and Corliss Williamson in 1993.

Their production helped the Razorbacks build one of the most productive freshman scoring tandems in college basketball this season.

Acuff’s playmaking paired with Thomas’ perimeter shooting created a combination that opposing defenses struggled to slow down.

Meanwhile, Richmond’s defensive versatility gave the Hogs another key piece on the floor.

The collection of postseason awards reflected the balance of scoring, defense and youth that shaped Arkansas’ season.

Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 3-9-26

Colton Little
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0
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 3-9-26


Tye’s back and the Hogs are gearing up for the SEC Tournament in Nashville. Big question is: Should Darius stay put on the bench? 2AA State Tournament Brawl, Arkansas Baseball and more!

Stetson uses fourth-inning homer to hand Razorbacks loss

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Stetson uses fourth-inning homer to hand Razorbacks loss

Arkansas’ first two games against Stetson were big wins, but went downhill quickly in the third game that showed how fast things can change in baseball.

After winning the first two matchups of the weekend, the Razorbacks couldn’t finish the sweep Sunday, falling 4-1 to Stetson at Baum-Walker Stadium. A three-run swing in the middle innings flipped the game, and the Hogs never recovered.

Arkansas scored first and had chances throughout the day. But the Hatters delivered the key hit when it mattered most and relied on steady pitching to close out the win.

Even with the loss, the Razorbacks still secured the series after earlier victories of 7-1 on Friday and 13-1 on Saturday.

Sunday’s finale simply showed how narrow the margin can be.

Damian Ruiz helped spark the Hogs early. The Arkansas leadoff hitter doubled in the first inning and later scored on an RBI double by Camden Kozeal that gave the home team a quick 1-0 lead.

For a moment, it looked like the Razorbacks might continue the offensive surge they showed during the first two games of the series.

Instead, Stetson pitchers regrouped and slowed the game down.

After Kozeal’s RBI, the Hogs struggled to produce another run despite drawing multiple walks and putting runners on base.

Missed opportunities shape game

Arkansas created traffic on the bases but couldn’t turn those opportunities into runs.

The Razorbacks finished with five hits and several walks but left multiple runners stranded as the Hatters escaped jams.

Meanwhile, Stetson waited for the moment that changed the game.

That moment came during the fourth inning.

The Hatters began the rally with a solo home run that tied the score at 1-1. Soon after, a defensive mistake by Arkansas allowed the inning to continue.

With runners on base, Jayden Hylton stepped in and delivered the biggest hit of the afternoon. His three-run homer to left field turned a tie game into a 4-1 Stetson lead.

That swing ended up deciding the game.

The Razorbacks still had time to respond, but the Hatters’ pitching staff kept the offense quiet over the final innings.

Pitching keeps Arkansas within reach

Although the Hogs fell behind, the bullpen kept the deficit manageable.

Cole Gibler entered in relief and delivered several scoreless innings, limiting Stetson’s offense and giving Arkansas a chance to rally.

Ethan McElvain later finished the game on the mound and struck out three batters in the final two innings.

The pitching effort prevented the Hatters from adding insurance runs.

But the Razorbacks couldn’t take advantage on the other side.

Series still belongs to Arkansas

Despite Sunday’s result, Arkansas controlled most of the weekend series.

The Razorbacks opened with a 7-1 win Friday behind strong pitching from Gabe Gaeckle and a balanced offensive performance that produced hits throughout the lineup.

One day later, the Hogs followed with their most dominant performance of the weekend.

Hunter Dietz struck out 12 batters over six innings as Arkansas rolled to a 13-1 victory in Game 2. The Razorbacks collected 13 hits and built a big early lead that never faded.

Those two wins secured at least a tie in the series.

Sunday simply prevented a sweep.

A reminder before conference play

The Razorbacks will move forward knowing they still won the weekend set.

At the same time, the finale offered a lesson about execution.

Arkansas scored early but couldn’t extend the lead. Stetson, on the other hand, made the most of one big inning.

Baseball often turns on a single swing, and that’s exactly what happened Sunday afternoon.

The two teams play the last of a four-game series on Monday at Noon in Baum-Walker Stadium and the game will be on ESPN+. Fans can listen on the Razorback Sports Network at ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.

Razorbacks power past Stetson as Dietz strikes out 12 in 13-1 win

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks power past Stetson as Dietz strikes out 12 in 13-1 win

Hunter Dietz delivered one of the strongest pitching outings of the season Saturday as Arkansas rolled to a 13-1 victory over Stetson at Baum-Walker Stadium.

The Razorbacks right-hander struck out 12 hitters across six innings while allowing four hits. He didn’t issue a walk during the outing as Arkansas improved to 12-3 this season.

Dietz controlled the pace from the first inning. His mix of pitches kept Stetson hitters off balance while Arkansas steadily built a lead behind him.

The strong start allowed the Hogs to extend their current winning streak to five games.

Dietz’s performance also showed why Arkansas coaches have viewed him as a future professional prospect since he signed in the 2023 recruiting class.

By the time his afternoon ended, the Razorbacks had already created a comfortable advantage.

Arkansas finished the game with 13 runs on 13 hits while drawing nine walks and striking out Stetson hitters throughout the afternoon.

The Hogs did all that without allowing a single walk on the mound.

Reliever Cooper Dossett later finished the run-rule victory in the seventh inning.

Early offense backs Dietz

The Arkansas offense quickly gave its starting pitcher room to work.

In the second inning, Reese Robinett reached base and later scored on a wild pitch to put the Razorbacks on the board first.

Camden Kozeal followed shortly after with a double that drove in two runs and stretched the lead to 3-0.

That early cushion allowed Dietz to stay aggressive against the Stetson lineup.

Arkansas kept adding to its lead in the third inning.

Maika Niu doubled to right field to bring home two runs, and Nolan Souza added a run-scoring single that drove in two more.

The surge pushed the Razorbacks ahead 7-0 and gave the pitching staff plenty of support.

The Hogs continued applying pressure in the fourth inning when patient plate appearances led to several walks and base hits.

By the middle of the game, Arkansas had built a 10-0 lead.

Balanced lineup produces big day

Arkansas received offensive help throughout the lineup.

Niu finished with three hits and three runs batted in while reaching base multiple times during the afternoon.

Kozeal also collected three hits and added multiple RBIs. The Razorbacks infielder now leads the team with 21 RBIs and carries a .400 batting average.

Souza contributed during the third-inning rally with a run-scoring single that helped stretch the early lead.

Arkansas didn’t rely on the long ball during the game. Instead, the Hogs used singles, doubles and walks to keep runners moving and create scoring chances.

The approach allowed Arkansas to score runs in multiple innings and maintain steady pressure on the Hatters pitching staff.

Pitching staff finishes strong

While the offense built the lead, Dietz continued controlling the mound.

The right-hander struck out hitters in nearly every inning while keeping Stetson from building momentum.

His 12 strikeouts marked a career-high total.

Stetson managed its lone run during the sixth inning when a single brought home a runner to make it 11-1.

Arkansas responded quickly.

The Razorbacks scored two more runs later in the inning to stretch the margin to 13-1.

Dossett then closed the game in the seventh inning to secure the run-rule victory.

The outing continued a strong stretch for the Arkansas pitching staff, which has limited opponents’ scoring opportunities during the current winning streak.

Razorbacks building a streak

Arkansas has started to find rhythm on both sides of the field.

The Razorbacks have produced double-digit hits in several recent games while pitchers have continued to control opposing lineups.

That balance has helped the Hogs stack wins early in the season.

Arkansas hitters such as Camden Kozeal, Maika Niu and others have contributed to a lineup that consistently produces scoring chances.

When combined with strong pitching performances like Dietz’s outing Saturday, the Razorbacks have shown they can win in multiple ways.

Arkansas and Stetson are scheduled to conclude their weekend series Sunday at Baum-Walker Stadium with first pitch set for 1 p.m.

Calipari earns 900th win as Razorbacks beat Missouri in overtime

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Calipari earns 900th win as Razorbacks beat Missouri in overtime

COLUMBIA, Mo. — John Calipari reached a historic coaching milestone Saturday as Arkansas took Missouri into overtime and came away with an 88-84 win at Mizzou Arena.

The victory marked the 900th career win for Calipari, placing him among the winningest coaches in men’s Division I basketball history.

With the result, Arkansas improved to 23-8 overall and 13-5 in SEC play while continuing to build up a head of going into next week’s SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tennessee.

Calipari became just the fifth coach in Division I history to reach 900 wins. He joined former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, former Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, St. John’s coach Rick Pitino and former Kansas and North Carolina coach Roy Williams in that group.

Trevon Brazile delivered the decisive moment in overtime. The forward knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with 38 seconds left to give the Razorbacks the lead for good.

Free throws by Malique Ewin and Meleek Thomas during the final seconds helped the Hogs hold off Missouri and secure the road victory.

Meleek Thomas
Meleek Thomas | Arkansas Communications

Thomas leads Arkansas scoring effort

Meleek Thomas paced the Razorbacks offense with a career high-tying 28 points. The guard was especially effective from long range, hitting five of six shots from beyond the arc.

Thomas also handled extra ball-handling responsibilities with Arkansas missing its points and assists leader.

Star freshman Darius Acuff did not play against Missouri as he rested a nagging ankle injury before postseason play. Calipari told ESPN’s Seth Greenberg that the decision was made to give Acuff time to recover before tournament action begins.

Without Acuff on the floor, D.J. Wagner and Thomas shared the primary playmaking duties.

Wagner finished with 10 points and led the team with five assists, helping keep the Arkansas offense steady throughout the contest.

DJ Wagner
DJ Wagner | Arkansas Communications

Razorbacks build early lead

Arkansas started the afternoon strong and built a double-digit advantage in the first half.

The Hogs led by as many as 15 points during the opening period while controlling the pace on both ends of the floor.

However, Missouri responded late before halftime. The Tigers made their final three field goals of the half to cut into the Arkansas lead.

When the teams headed to the locker room, the Razorbacks still held a narrow 39-36 advantage.

Early foul trouble also affected Arkansas in the first half. Both Nick Pringle and Malique Ewin picked up two fouls, forcing the coaching staff to adjust its frontcourt rotation.

With both big men sitting for stretches, Missouri used the opportunity to trim the deficit and stay within reach before halftime.

Billy Richmond III
Billy Richmond III | Arkansas Communications

Missouri rallies in second half

Missouri came out aggressively after the break and eventually grabbed its first lead of the day.

With 16:42 remaining, Mark Mitchell connected with Shawn Phillips on an alley-oop dunk that gave the Tigers a 45-44 edge and prompted Calipari to call a timeout.

From that point forward, the teams exchanged baskets throughout much of the second half.

The loudest moment inside Mizzou Arena came with 11:30 remaining when Missouri’s Jayden Stone recorded a steal and finished with a slam dunk to give the Tigers a 58-57 lead.

Arkansas answered shortly after when Missouri entered a cold shooting stretch. The Tigers missed six of seven shots during a span of nearly four minutes.

During that same stretch, the Razorbacks made four of their five attempts. The sequence ended with an Ewin put-back dunk that restored the lead for Arkansas.

Later, a layup by Barrett tied the game at 65-65 and kept the contest tight heading into the closing minutes.

Trevon Brazile
Trevon Brazile | Arkansas Communications

Brazile’s shot seals overtime victory

Missouri forced overtime behind a late push from Mark Mitchell.

Mitchell scored the Tigers’ final five points of regulation, including an and-one with 50 seconds remaining that briefly put Missouri ahead by one point.

Thomas answered moments later by hitting a free throw with 31 seconds left to even the score.

Missouri had a chance to win in the closing seconds of regulation, but Barrett missed a layup at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime.

In the extra period, Ewin provided an important spark when he hit a 3-pointer with 2:21 remaining to give Arkansas an 81-77 lead.

The shot was notable because it marked Ewin’s first 3-pointer since Jan. 10 and only his fourth attempt from long distance this season.

Missouri answered with a quick 4-0 run after a timeout to tie the score again at 81-81.

That set the stage for Brazile’s decisive moment.

With under a minute remaining, Brazile connected from beyond the arc to give the Razorbacks the lead.

Arkansas then closed the game at the free-throw line as Ewin and Thomas made shots during the final 10 seconds.

The victory keeps the Hogs firmly in the mix for a top seed in the SEC Tournament.

Arkansas already secured a double-bye after its 105-85 win over Texas earlier in the week, meaning the team will open play in Friday’s quarterfinals.

The Razorbacks could earn the No. 2 seed if Alabama loses to Auburn. If Alabama wins that game, Arkansas would enter the tournament as the No. 3 seed because of its head-to-head loss to the Crimson Tide.

Either way, Saturday’s overtime win gave Calipari a historic milestone while sending the Hogs into postseason play with another close victory.

Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres on Razorback fans appreciating this season

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres on Razorback fans appreciating this season

With Darius Acuff Jr. one of top players for Hogs this year, it’s not something anybody should be taking for granted looking at future.

Gaeckle’s strong start carries Hogs past Stetson 7-1 Friday

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Gaeckle’s strong start carries Hogs past Stetson 7-1 Friday

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas used a quick offensive start and steady pitching to take control early Friday afternoon and never really had to look back.

Gabe Gaeckle delivered six scoreless innings as the Razorbacks defeated Stetson 7-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium in the opening game of the weekend series.

The Hogs improved to 11-3 on the season while the Hatters dropped to 5-9.

Arkansas jumped ahead quickly thanks to an early burst at the plate. The Razorbacks scored four runs in the first inning to build immediate momentum.

That early advantage allowed Gaeckle to work comfortably from the mound as he kept Stetson hitters from building any rhythm.

The right-hander attacked the strike zone and limited damage throughout his outing while the Hogs offense continued to add pressure.

Arkansas also received contributions from several hitters throughout the lineup during the victory.

The Razorbacks finished the day with multiple players recording hits as they maintained control of the game.

Early offense gives Arkansas control

Arkansas created a big lead in the opening inning.

The Razorbacks sent several hitters to the plate and scored four runs to begin the game. Camden Kozeal, Kuhio Aloy, Maika Niu and TJ Pompey each drove in runs with base hits during the rally.

That early scoring burst gave the Hogs a comfortable lead and allowed Gaeckle to focus on attacking hitters.

The Arkansas starter turned in one of his strongest performances of the season.

Gaeckle worked six shutout innings while striking out six Stetson batters. The outing marked the first quality start of his career and matched the longest appearance he’s had on the mound.

The right-hander earned his second victory of the year with the effort.

Through three starts this season, the Razorbacks pitcher holds a 2-1 record with a 2.61 earned run average.

Gaeckle has recorded 27 strikeouts in 20.2 innings pitched while allowing seven total runs, including six earned runs.

Razorbacks add insurance late

Arkansas added more breathing room in the fifth inning.

The Razorbacks pushed across three runs during the frame to extend the lead to 7-0.

Carson Brumbaugh began the scoring with a sacrifice fly. Ryder Helfrick followed with an RBI single before Kozeal added another run-scoring hit.

Several Hogs hitters contributed strong performances at the plate.

Damian Ruiz finished 2-for-5 with a double during the victory.

Helfrick went 2-for-4 and added a walk along with his RBI.

Kozeal recorded two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs while raising his team-leading RBI total to 19.

Aloy also collected two hits, including a double, while drawing a walk and recording an RBI.

Bullpen secures series-opening win

Arkansas turned the game over to its bullpen after Gaeckle completed six innings.

Parker Coil worked one inning and allowed one run while striking out three hitters.

Mark Brissey followed with a scoreless inning before Jackson Kircher closed the game with an inning that included two strikeouts.

Brissey has been strong early in the season for the Hogs.

The freshman right-hander has thrown six innings across four appearances without allowing a run while surrendering only one hit and striking out nine.

The Razorbacks will continue the weekend series against Stetson on Saturday at Baum-Walker Stadium.

Hunter Dietz is expected to start on the mound for Arkansas in the second game of the series.

Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 3-6-26

Colton Little
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0
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 3-6-26


Tommy’s back! He fills us in on his trip to DC, we fill him on the news since his absence. Full slate of sports in Fayetteville and more!

Guests: The Fence Man and Paige Riley!

Razorbacks vs. Stetson opener requires radio as no TV broadcast set

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks vs. Stetson opener requires radio as no TV broadcast set

Fans hoping to watch No. 6 Arkansas start its weekend series against Stetson will have to take a different route.

The opener won’t be on television, meaning supporters must follow the action the old-fashioned way through radio, streaming audio, or live updates.

The matchup at Baum-Walker Stadium still carries plenty of intrigue. Arkansas enters the weekend with momentum after recent wins and looks to keep building consistency as the season continues.

But unlike many games during the college baseball season, the Friday contest between the Razorbacks and Hatters won’t appear on SEC Network, SEC Network+, or any streaming television platform.

Instead, the primary way to follow the action will be through radio coverage and digital updates.

For longtime fans of the Hogs, that means a return to the classic experience of listening to the game unfold pitch by pitch.

No television broadcast for series opener

The biggest detail surrounding the opener is simple: there’s no television option.

That means fans who can’t attend in person will rely on audio broadcasts and online updates to track what happens between Arkansas and Stetson.

The Razorbacks Radio Network will carry the game, giving listeners a chance to hear every inning as Arkansas begins the series. Radio coverage remains one of the most consistent ways fans follow the program throughout the season.

Because there’s no TV broadcast, many followers will likely monitor the game through play-by-play updates online while listening to the radio call.

It’s a different experience from the modern norm, but it’s one college baseball fans have known for decades.

For some supporters, the format even adds a nostalgic touch.

Listening to the announcers describe each pitch, swing, and defensive play can make the game feel more personal for fans who can’t be at the ballpark.

Razorbacks aim to keep momentum

Even without a television audience, the matchup still matters as Arkansas continues its non-conference schedule.

The Razorbacks have built a strong early record and are trying to keep their rhythm going before conference play begins later in the season.

A solid weekend would help the Hogs continue building confidence and depth across the roster.

Stetson enters the series looking to challenge one of the top programs in college baseball. The Hatters arrive in Fayetteville hoping to compete against a ranked opponent on the road.

For Arkansas, the focus remains on execution and steady progress as the schedule moves forward.

The Razorbacks have shown offensive production early in the year while also working to refine pitching roles and defensive consistency.

Each weekend series provides another opportunity for the Hogs to sharpen those areas.

How to listen, follow Arkansas vs. Stetson

Even though the game isn’t on television, fans still have several ways to follow the action.

Game information

  • Matchup: Arkansas vs. Stetson
  • Location: Baum-Walker Stadium, Fayetteville
  • Radio: Razorbacks Sports Network on ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home. Fans can also listen online at HitThatLine.com.
  • Online updates: Live stats and in-game coverage

Because there’s no video broadcast, many supporters will combine radio listening with online box scores or play-by-play updates to track the game.

That approach mirrors how college baseball was followed for many years before widespread streaming coverage.

The Razorbacks’ radio broadcast remains one of the most reliable ways to experience the game if fans aren’t in the stadium.

Old-school baseball experience

The lack of television coverage doesn’t change the stakes of the series opener.

Arkansas still has an opportunity to continue its strong start and build momentum heading deeper into the schedule.

For fans, it simply shifts how they’ll follow the game.

Instead of flipping on a television broadcast, fans will rely on radio calls, online updates, and postgame highlights.

It’s a reminder of how the sport was followed long before streaming became common.

And for one game at least, Razorbacks baseball will be experienced much the same way it once was through the voice of the radio broadcast and the imagination of listeners.

Ruscin and Zach Podcast March 5th

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Ruscin and Zach Podcast March 5th

Hogville’s Dudley Dawson on UA finally putting up Nolan Richardson statue

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Hogville’s Dudley Dawson on UA finally putting up Nolan Richardson statue

Talking about influence of former Razorback coach he worked for with Hogs’ basketball during college days, how team looking after win over Texas.

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