Talking about influence of former Razorback coach he worked for with Hogs’ basketball during college days, how team looking after win over Texas.
Razorbacks’ pitching coach Matt Hobbs on big day Wednesday, staff
How they rebound after solid outing against Oral Roberts in midweek against Stetson this week to set up to start SEC schedule.
Razorbacks radio analyst Bubba Carpenter looking at roster before series
With SEC play starting next week, the Hogs will be trying to find out more on new players in four-game series against Stetson this weekend.
Brett Dolan looking back at big night for Razorbacks against Longhorns
How senior Trevon Brazile produced one of his best games with the Hogs that even over-shadowed Darius Acuff Jr.’s big night.
Democrat-Gazette’s Tom Murphy on importance of Darius Acuff to Hogs
How Razorbacks’ guard some say is best player in college basketball has become the most important member of team headed to postseason.
Razorbacks beat Texas 105-85, clinches SEC Tournament double bye
No. 20 Arkansas delivered a strong offensive showing Wednesday night, defeating Texas 105-85 at Bud Walton Arena and locking up a double bye in the SEC Tournament.
Darius Acuff Jr. and Trevon Brazile powered the Razorbacks in a game that stayed under control for most of the night. Arkansas improved to 22-8 overall and 12-5 in SEC play with the victory.
Texas dropped to 18-12 overall and 9-8 in SEC games after struggling to keep up with the pace set by the Hogs.
Arkansas found rhythm early on offense and rarely let the Longhorns get close after the first half.
The Razorbacks built a large advantage before halftime and then continued scoring steadily in the final 20 minutes.
Texas had some success offensively later in the game, but the deficit proved too much to overcome.
Arkansas also shot the ball efficiently from the field and kept the tempo moving throughout the contest.
The victory carried postseason implications as well, giving the Razorbacks an important boost with the conference tournament approaching.
Razorbacks build big first-half lead
The Hogs established control early with strong shooting and ball movement.
Arkansas moved the ball quickly around the court and found open looks throughout the opening minutes. That approach helped the Razorbacks jump ahead and begin building separation.
By halftime, Arkansas held a 56-34 advantage after a productive first half.
The Razorbacks shot well from the field during that stretch and forced Texas to play from behind for the remainder of the night.
Texas attempted to close the gap after halftime, but Arkansas maintained momentum and continued adding points to the scoreboard.
The Razorbacks finished the game shooting 58 percent from the field while also knocking down 11 shots from beyond the three-point line.
Texas connected on 49 percent of its attempts, but the Longhorns struggled to slow the Arkansas offense.
Arkansas also controlled the rebounding battle 35-31 while converting 24 of 30 free throws.
Those numbers helped the Razorbacks maintain their lead even as both teams continued scoring.
Acuff and Brazile lead Arkansas attack
Two Arkansas players delivered standout performances in the win.
Darius Acuff Jr. guided the offense throughout the game and finished with 28 points and 13 assists.
His ability to distribute the ball helped Arkansas generate consistent scoring chances across the floor.
Trevon Brazile matched Acuff’s scoring total with 28 points of his own.
The forward produced a career-high scoring performance while helping Arkansas stretch the lead in the second half.
Together, the pair created constant pressure on the Texas defense.
Their efforts helped Arkansas build a lead that grew as large as 28 points during the contest.
Arkansas led for nearly the entire game and kept the Longhorns from gaining sustained momentum.
Double bye clinched in SEC Tournament
The win carried added significance beyond the scoreboard.
By defeating Texas, Arkansas secured a double bye in the upcoming SEC Tournament.
That result allows the Razorbacks to skip the early rounds and begin play in the quarterfinal stage.
The extra rest could be important as teams prepare for postseason competition.
Arkansas has shown improvement late in the regular season and continued that trend with Wednesday’s victory.
The Razorbacks protected their home floor and delivered one of their highest-scoring performances of the season.
With the regular season nearing its end, Arkansas now turns its attention to postseason play and the opportunity to carry momentum into the conference tournament.
Razorbacks honoring Nolan Richardson with statue in Fayetteville
Hall of Famer and former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson will be immortalized with a statue outside of Bud Walton Arena.
The legendary coach was surprised with the news on the court that bears his name during halftime of the Razorbacks’ game against longtime rival Texas on Wednesday night.
The statue is in the process of being commissioned with work scheduled to start soon. Richardson’s likeness will be featured on the west side of Walton Arena once completed.
“Coach Richardson’s impact on the game of basketball and our state is immeasurable,” athletics director Hunter Yurachek said. “He represented Arkansas with a toughness and intense work ethic that endeared him to our fans while changing the lives of numerous athletes, coaches and staff under his direction.
“His 40 minutes of hell changed college basketball and led to the 1994 national championship that changed Arkansas and our University forever. Coach Richardson will stand tall outside the arena for the rest of time.”
Richardson led the Razorbacks to an overall record of 389-169, setting a school record for wins and a .697 winning percentage.
He led Arkansas to 13 NCAA Tournament appearances including six Sweet 16s (1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996), four Elite Eights (1990, 1991, 1994, 1995), three Final Fours (1990, 1994, 1995) a national runner-up finish in 1995 and the 1994 NCAA Championship, the first in school history.
He coached Arkansas to five conference titles, including three in the Southwest Conference (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91) along with SWC tournament championships in the same seasons; two Southeastern Conference championships (1991-92, 1993-94), an SEC West Division title (1994-95) and three trips to the SEC tournament championship including an SEC tournament title in 2000.
In Richardson’s 22 combined years as a head coach at the collegiate level at Western Texas Junior College, the University of Tulsa and the University of Arkansas, he compiled a record of 508-206 (.711) and became the only head coach in college basketball history to win a National Junior College Championship, NIT Championship and NCAA Championship.
Richardson was elected to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 1996 and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
He was honored with a banner in Bud Walton Arena in 2015. In 2019, the court inside the arena was officially named Nolan Richardson Court in his honor.
Former Razorbacks coach Lou Holtz, who led Orange Bowl upset, dies at 89
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Former Arkansas football coach Lou Holtz has died at the age of 89, multiple reports confirmed on Wednesday.
Holtz guided the Razorbacks from 1977 until 1983, leaving a lasting mark on the program and college football before moving on to other coaching roles.
His family shared the news of his passing on social media, including a post from the Fighting Irish account that recognized him and showed a message from his family.
Holtz was a respected figure in the sport, known widely for his leadership and coaching achievements.
In addition to his time in Arkansas, Holtz’s career included other stops that added to his reputation in college football.
Holtz’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 recognized his success and long career.
Over 33 seasons, he compiled an overall record that reflected his longevity and competitiveness in the sport.
His record included strong showings in bowl games and conference championships.
He was also honored in one of his final public appearances as an honorary captain during a Razorbacks game in Fayetteville.
Holtz’s tenure with the Razorbacks
Holtz took over the Arkansas football program after the 1976 season when Frank Broyles transitioned to a full-time athletic director role.
From 1977 to 1983, Holtz led the Hogs to a 61-21-2 record, including three bowl wins.
There were two seasons during his tenure where the team reached double-digit wins, showing consistency under his leadership.
One of his most notable achievements with the Razorbacks was a major victory in the Orange Bowl against the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners.
That season ended with Arkansas ranked No. 3 in the final AP Poll, capped by that postseason result.
Holtz also dealt with tough losses, including a close contest against rival Texas that ended with controversy.
After his time with the Hogs, he spent two seasons at Minnesota before moving on to other coaching roles.
His career continued in other programs where he remained influential in the sport.
Holtz’s leadership and approach to the game influenced players and coaches throughout his years on the sidelines.
Official response and legacy
The Arkansas Razorback Football account on social media posted a statement honoring Holtz, noting his tenure and offering thoughts for his family.
Holtz’s leadership and dedication to the sport helped shape the Razorbacks during his time in Fayetteville.
His commitment to college football was reflected in his Hall of Fame induction and the respect he earned from fans and fellow coaches.
As news of his passing spread, former players, colleagues and fans reflected on his contributions to the game.
Holtz’s long coaching career and accomplishments will remain part of college football history.
His influence continues to be recognized across programs and fan communities connected to his work.
