The Razorbacks are headed BACK to the Sweet 16 for the FIFTH time in the last SIX seasons! Hog BSB takes two on the road. Blue Bloods suffer defeats in NCAAT.
Guests: Marc James – 93.3 KRJ Seattle
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 03-23-26
South Carolina hits four homers, tops Razorbacks in series finale
Arkansas couldn’t finish off a sweep, but it still left town with what mattered most.
South Carolina used a power surge Sunday, launching four home runs on the way to a 9-4 win over the Razorbacks in the series finale in Columbia, S.C., at Founders Park.
Even with the loss, Arkansas secured the weekend series by taking the first two games, including a comeback extra-inning win the day before.
The early innings were the indicator of what was to come. South Carolina’s lineup attacked pitches and found gaps. That approach quickly turned into runs and gave the home team control.
Arkansas, which had leaned on steady pitching and timely offense earlier in the weekend, found itself chasing the game instead of dictating it.
The Gamecocks’ ability to drive the ball out of the park proved to be the difference. Each home run added pressure and forced the Hogs to try to respond quickly.
Despite the deficit, Arkansas didn’t go quietly. The Razorbacks pushed across four runs and created chances, but couldn’t string together enough hits to close the gap.
The loss marked a shift from the first two games, when Arkansas handled key moments and controlled the pace of play.
The Hogs had already locked up the series, though, and that remained the biggest takeaway as they headed out of Columbia.
Gamecocks use power surge to take finale
South Carolina didn’t wait long to show its intent.
The Gamecocks’ offense came alive with four home runs, flipping the script after Arkansas had controlled much of the weekend.
Those swings gave South Carolina a cushion and kept Arkansas from gaining any sustained momentum.
Arkansas had been efficient at the plate earlier in the series, including a lopsided win in the opener, but the finale told a different story.
The Razorbacks had baserunners and opportunities, yet couldn’t deliver the kind of timely hits that defined their previous games.
After grinding through a tight extra-inning victory to clinch the series, the Hogs didn’t have the same late push in the finale.
Coach Dave Van Horn pointed to execution when discussing the difference.
“They swung it well,” Van Horn said.
That simple assessment matched the outcome. South Carolina made the most of its chances, while Arkansas couldn’t limit the damage once the long balls started.
Arkansas still takes series despite finale loss
Even with the defeat, Arkansas left with a series win, which remains the goal in SEC play.
The Razorbacks showed two different ways to win earlier in the weekend — overpowering an opponent and grinding out a close game.
Sunday served as a reminder of how quickly things can change when facing a lineup that finds its rhythm.
South Carolina, playing with urgency, delivered one of its most complete offensive efforts of the series.
For Arkansas, the takeaway is balance.
The Hogs proved they can win in multiple ways, but the finale highlighted areas that need some fixing, especially on the mound against power hitters.
Calipari leans on Acuff as Razorbacks reach Sweet 16
John Calipari kept it simple when the moment got big. He trusted his point guard.
“We put it in his hands and I trust him, and the team trusts him,” Calipari said on the TBS broadcast after the game.
That decision carried Arkansas through one of its toughest tests of the season, as the fourth-seeded Razorbacks outlasted 12th-seeded High Point 94-88 on Saturday night at Moda Center.
The win sends the Hogs to the Sweet 16 for the fifth time in six seasons and adds another chapter to a strong year.
Arkansas (28-8) will next face the winner of Arizona and Utah State in the West Region, with the Sweet 16 set for Thursday in San Jose, California.
The night ended with Darius Acuff in control, just as his coach intended.
With the game tied at 83-83, Acuff scored seven straight points to give the Razorbacks a lead they wouldn’t give back.
His pull-up 3-pointer with just over a minute left proved to be the decisive moment, pushing Arkansas ahead and shifting the pressure fully onto High Point.
Acuff finished with 36 points, setting a new program record for scoring in an NCAA Tournament game.
“Winning, that’s the only thing on my mind,” Acuff said. “Whatever I’ve got to do to get my team the win, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Razorbacks withstand early push from High Point
Before the late heroics, Arkansas had to handle a steady challenge from a confident opponent.
High Point came in riding a 15-game winning streak and played like a team that believed it could extend it.
The Panthers jumped out to an early lead and kept attacking throughout the first half.
Arkansas answered behind Acuff and Meleek Thomas, briefly building a lead that reached eight points.
Still, High Point continued to respond, cutting into the deficit with outside shooting and drives to the basket.
A late 3-pointer gave the Panthers a short-lived edge before the Razorbacks closed the half in front, 43-42.
The back-and-forth action set the tone for a game that would feature 15 lead changes.
Arkansas struggled at times to contain dribble penetration, which allowed High Point to score consistently in the paint.
Late execution lifts Hogs past determined Panthers
The second half brought even more tension, with neither team able to take full control.
A stretch of turnovers by Arkansas led to an 8-0 run by High Point, putting the Razorbacks behind 56-52.
Calipari called timeout, and his team responded.
Trevon Brazile returned after a hard fall and quickly made an impact with a corner 3-pointer that helped spark a turnaround.
From there, the teams traded baskets and momentum, with multiple lead changes over several minutes.
“I thought Malique Ewin down the stretch played well,” Calipari said.
Arkansas created a bit of separation with a 10-2 run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Thomas and an and-1 finish by Acuff that made it 81-74.
But High Point answered again, tying the game at 83-83 with just over three minutes remaining.
That’s when Acuff delivered the sequence that defined the night.
He scored on consecutive drives, then buried a pull-up 3-pointer to push the Razorbacks ahead late.
High Point cut the deficit to four in the final seconds, but Acuff sealed the game at the free-throw line.
“It’s been a great journey [with] lot of learning,” Acuff said. “I’m going to keep learning. It’s been great playing with these guys. I love playing with them. I want to continue that.”
The Panthers finished their season at 31-5, bringing an end to the most successful run in program history.
For Arkansas, the win matched the 2021-22 team as the program’s winningest season since 1994-95.
It also added to Calipari’s résumé, marking his 17th trip to the Sweet 16 and tying him with Tom Izzo for the most among active coaches.
He also became one of only two coaches, along with former Razorbacks coach Eddie Sutton, to guide four different programs to the Sweet 16.
Razorbacks rally late, top South Carolina 3-2 in 10 innings
Winning clean and easy is nice. Winning ugly still counts the same in the standings though.
Seventh-ranked Arkansas didn’t need style points Saturday. The Razorbacks needed some determination, a break and a few timely swings. They got all three.
Down to their final out, Arkansas tied the game on a two-out throwing error in the ninth inning and then pushed across the go-ahead run in the 10th to beat South Carolina 3-2 at Founders Park.
It wasn’t smooth. It wasn’t pretty. But it was enough.
The Hogs improved to 18-6 overall and 4-1 in SEC play, setting up a chance to finish off a series sweep Sunday.
For most of the night, the Razorbacks were chasing.
South Carolina grabbed a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning after Beau Hollins doubled with two outs and later scored on a first-pitch single from Tyler Bak. That hit came against reliever Cole Gibler and gave the Gamecocks a jolt in a tense, low-scoring game.
Arkansas had chances earlier but couldn’t string together much offense against starter Amp Phillips, who worked deep into the game and kept hitters off balance.
That left the Hogs staring at a one-run deficit heading into the ninth.
Then things turned.
Late mistake flips the script
Ryder Helfrick drew a one-out walk and moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. A groundout pushed him to third, leaving Arkansas down to its last chance.
With two outs, Maika Niu hit a ground ball to shortstop. It looked routine. It wasn’t.
The throw pulled the first baseman off the bag, allowing the tying run to score and extending the game. Just like that, Arkansas had life again.
Once the Razorbacks forced extra innings, they didn’t waste time.
TJ Pompey opened the 10th with a double, putting immediate pressure on South Carolina’s defense. Nolan Souza followed with a bunt single, moving Pompey to third and setting the table.
Camden Kozeal then did the simple job—put the ball in play. His groundout to the right side brought Pompey home and gave Arkansas a 3-2 lead.
It wasn’t a blast and it wasn’t flashy but it was effective.
Bottom of the order delivers
And on a night like this, effective was everything.
After the offense scratched across the go-ahead run, the Razorbacks handed the game to Gibler.
He handled it without drama.
Facing the top of South Carolina’s order in the bottom of the 10th, Gibler retired Patrick Evans, Will Craddock and Talmadge LeCroy in order to close it out.
The right-hander earned the win with 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. He allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out four.
Before that, Arkansas starter Hunter Dietz set the tone.
Dietz matched a career high with 12 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. He gave up two runs on five hits and two walks, keeping the Razorbacks within reach even when the offense stalled.
Pitching sets up the finish
Arkansas didn’t start fast, but it did strike first.
Damian Ruiz gave the Razorbacks a 1-0 lead in the third inning with a towering 417-foot home run off the batter’s eye. It was a loud swing in an otherwise quiet night at the plate.
Still, that was one of the few mistakes Phillips made. The South Carolina starter went seven innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out six.
The Gamecocks tied the game in the fifth when Hollins singled home Luke Yuhasz after a leadoff walk. From there, both teams leaned heavily on pitching and defense.
Until the ninth inning changed everything.
South Carolina entered the game under unusual circumstances.
Hours earlier, coach Paul Mainieri announced his immediate resignation following Friday’s 22-6 loss to Arkansas. The decision came amid mounting pressure and marked a sudden shift for the program.
Interim coach Monte Lee guided the Gamecocks into Saturday’s matchup, and for much of the night, it looked like they might respond with a win.
Instead, a late mistake and missed opportunity kept them searching for their first SEC victory. South Carolina dropped to 12-12 overall and 0-5 in conference play.
The Razorbacks now head into Sunday with momentum and a chance to finish the job.
First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. as Arkansas looks to complete the series sweep. The game will be televised on SEC Network+ and fans can listen on the Razorback Sports Network on ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
Saturday’s win won’t go down as a masterpiece. But in SEC play, finding a way matters more than how it looks.
Arkansas found a way.
Razorbacks’ power surge leads to 22-6 SEC road win at Carolina
Arkansas didn’t wait around to show they brought their bats on the road Friday night.
After a warning from South Carolina coach Paul Mainieri about the Razorbacks’ power, the Hogs answered quickly with a long-ball display and steady offense that led to a 22-6 win in seven innings at Founders Park.
Arkansas (17-6, 3-1 SEC) used five home runs, including two from Maika Niu, to build a large lead and close the game early by run rule. The series continues Saturday at 3 p.m.
The Razorbacks’ output marked one of the highest-scoring SEC games in program history and the largest margin of victory in a conference road game during coach Dave Van Horn’s tenure.
South Carolina (12-11, 0-4) dropped its sixth straight game.
The Hogs combined patience and power throughout the night, putting pressure on pitching from the start.
Arkansas drew 12 walks and benefited from 15 total free passes issued by South Carolina pitchers. That helped the Razorbacks create scoring chances in nearly every inning.
“I thought our offense was outstanding tonight,” Van Horn said.
Fast start sets the tone
The Hogs wasted no time getting on the board.
Damian Ruiz reached on a walk to begin the game, moved up on a wild pitch, and scored before the Gamecocks recorded an out.
Camden Kozeal followed with an RBI single, and Arkansas quickly took control.
The Razorbacks added more pressure in the second inning when Ruiz and Kozeal hit back-to-back home runs to extend the lead.
By the third inning, Kuhio Aloy launched a 450-foot home run to center field, pushing the margin even wider.
That swing ended the night for South Carolina starter Josh Gunther, who allowed nine runs over just 2 1/3 innings.
Arkansas kept adding on, building a 9-0 advantage before the middle innings arrived.
The early scoring forced South Carolina to make quick pitching changes.
Eight-run inning breaks game open
The Razorbacks put the game out of reach in the fourth inning.
Arkansas sent 14 hitters to the plate and scored eight runs.
The rally included four hits, four walks, a hit batter, and an error that extended the inning.
Reese Robinett delivered a two-run double, while Nolan Souza and Ruiz added RBI singles.
A dropped pop-up by South Carolina’s defense allowed another run to score, keeping the inning alive.
Maika Niu added a two-run double during the surge, pushing the lead to 17-0. By that point, a lot of the crowd had already started leaving.
Niu played a major role in the win on both offense and defense. He finished 3 for 5 with a walk, four runs scored, and six RBI, tying a career high.
His night began with a 402-foot home run in the first inning that gave Arkansas a quick 4-0 lead.
Later, he added a two-run double in the fourth and another home run in the sixth inning. The sixth-inning homer, a 391-foot shot to left, made the score 21-4.
“We knew that’s what we can do,” Niu said. “We haven’t been doing it. That little confidence boost, know that two outs we can get that extra run in, and we did that a lot today.”
Niu also made a standout defensive play in the second inning, diving to his right in left-center field to take away an extra-base hit.
Van Horn really liked the play.
“That was unbelievable to watch it,” Van Horn said.
Pitching handles long delays
Arkansas starter Gabe Gaeckle worked through a different rhythm because of long offensive innings.
He allowed four runs, two earned, on five hits and two walks over five innings while striking out seven. He threw 62 of his 89 pitches for strikes.
“The first three innings, he was really good,” Van Horn said. “In the top of the fourth, we scored eight runs, they made a couple of pitching changes. I don’t know how long it was, maybe a 40-minute [half] inning, it seemed like it.
“When he went back out there, he wasn’t quite as sharp. For the most part he was really good. He just had a lot of delays between innings, which is a good thing because we’re scoring runs.”
South Carolina scored its runs in the fourth inning on two home runs, including a two-run shot by KJ Scobey. Luke Yuhasz added another two-run homer later in the inning.
Despite that stretch, Gaeckle settled in and finished his outing with control.
The Razorbacks continued to add runs with timely swings and strong plate discipline.
“We walked a lot, but at the same time I think we were swinging the bat so well, they were a little nervous to throw the ball in the middle of the plate,” Van Horn said. “Our guys just did a great job of sticking to the game plan. We didn’t go out of the zone hardly at all tonight.
“We fouled off a lot of pitches and obviously squared up a bunch. We hit six homers and two doubles and who knows what else.”
TJ Pompey added another home run in the fifth inning with a 388-foot blast to left field.
“Power, it comes and goes a little bit, but it’s in there for us,” Van Horn said. “We can score quick.”
Arkansas finished with 14 hits, with Ruiz, Kozeal, and Niu each collecting three.
Ruiz and Kozeal also drove in three runs apiece, and every starter reached base at least twice.
479 Equipment Ruscin & Zach podcast March 20
We recap what is going on in the NCAA Tournament.
Zach thinks its a blowout win for Arkansas on Saturday.
Ashton answers the poll questions.
Tye tells us what is going on in Portland.
Razorbacks’ John Calipari on advancing to second weekend of NCAA
Another big game in a month of big ones for Hogs as they will face High Point on Saturday in game of different challenges.
Razorbacks’ Meleek Thomas, Billy Richmond previewing High Point game
After win over Hawaii confident Hogs not taking anything for granted against team that is one of hottest in country right now.
Brett Dolan on Razorbacks’ freshman being one of best in NCAA Tournament
If you take players from No. 1 seeds out of discussion, list for best players is a short one that includes Hogs Darius Acuff Jr..
Razorbacks’ analyst Bubba Carpenter previewing series at South Carolina
How struggling Gamecocks could bounce back without warning and de-rail what a lot are expecting wins from Hogs.
