Arkansas walked into Newark hoping to add a strong win to its December résumé.

Instead, the Razorbacks spent most of Saturday digging out of a deep early crater and never fully escaped it, falling 94-85 to Houston in the Never Forget Tribute Classic.

The day was a mix of frustration, recovery, and missed chances, wrapped into one long afternoon.

The Razorbacks struggled early when Houston ripped off a decisive 21-2 run. The Cougars found open looks all over the floor while Arkansas dealt with foul trouble for Trevon Brazile and Karter Knox.

That early hole shaped everything that followed, even as Arkansas slowly steadied itself and clawed back into the matchup.

Late in the first half, Arkansas finally found rhythm. A 14-3 run pulled the Razorbacks within striking distance. The ball moved better.

The defense tightened. Darius Acuff Jr. sliced the Houston lead to eight with a drive just before halftime, sending Arkansas to the locker room trailing 49-41 but feeling a little more alive.

Even with the improved finish, the first half showed the margin for error was thin. Houston shot well, moved the ball with confidence, and controlled the pace while Arkansas scrambled to keep it close.

Razorbacks fight back in the second half

Arkansas opened the second half with urgency. Acuff buried a three to cut the margin, and Malique Ewin used his size to push back against Houston’s physical front line.

The Razorbacks looked like a team ready to flip the story after such a rough opening stretch.

But Houston always had an answer. Senior guard Emanuel Sharp hit timely shots, and freshman Kingston Flemings controlled stretches with poise.

No matter how close Arkansas crept, the Cougars found a bucket or a stop to maintain control.

Arkansas finished the afternoon shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from long range. Normally, those are winning numbers.

But they were overshadowed by the mistakes the Razorbacks kept handing Houston.

Arkansas gave up 12 turnovers, which turned into 19 Houston points. The Razorbacks missed 14 free throws, too, which made each comeback push feel like rolling a boulder uphill. Every time momentum surfaced, another empty possession appeared to cancel it out.

Acuff delivered one of his strongest performances of the season with 27 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.

Ewin also stood out with 20 points and nine boards, using his physical presence to keep Arkansas within reach. The team even won the rebounding battle 34-33, which rarely happens against Houston.

Houston’s balanced scoring proves decisive

Houston’s steady hand kept the Razorbacks at bay throughout the afternoon. Sharp finished with 22 points, hitting shots at key moments.

Flemings backed him with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists, showing a mature game for a freshman.

The Cougars shot more than 51 percent and made 11 threes, a combination that left Arkansas chasing for most of the day.

They also hit plenty of free throws, finishing 19 of 25 while the Razorbacks struggled to match that efficiency.

The game felt like a lesson in execution. When Arkansas needed clean trips down the floor, Houston delivered them instead.

When Arkansas needed stops, Houston found scoring options. Each time the Razorbacks neared the edge of a breakthrough, the Cougars nudged the door shut.

What the loss means for Arkansas moving forward

Arkansas’ performance wasn’t without positives. The team showed resilience after the early collapse and produced strong numbers from its top players.

But the Razorbacks also found out how thin the margins become against a ranked opponent that rarely beats itself.

Coach John Calipari pointed to the obvious issues afterward: turnovers, free throws, and missed opportunities in crucial spots.

The Razorbacks had stretches where they looked capable of flipping the game, but every slip came back to haunt them.

The loss doesn’t derail Arkansas’ season, but it does spotlight the details that must tighten before SEC play arrives.

If the Razorbacks want to climb toward the top of the league, days like this serve as reminders of the work ahead.

Key takeaways

• Houston’s 21-2 first-half run created a hole Arkansas never fully escaped.
• Twelve turnovers and 14 missed free throws erased chances to flip momentum.
• Strong offensive games kept Arkansas competitive even as Houston maintained control.