What he saw Sunday and organization may be better but not a lot to learn from some basics with new coaching staff, revamped roster.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 3-17-26
Happy St. Patrick’s day! A little more “green” that typical in Tuscaloosa, Notes about Portland and talking about the strength of conferences in the NCAA Tournament.
Guests: Bruce Stanton and Tom Murphy!
479 Equipment Ruscin & Zach podcast March 16
Arkansas wins the SEC Tournament.
Bruce Pearl needs to shut his big mouth.
Alabama has a player arrested days before the NCAA Tournament.
Target is getting rid of the toy aisle? Plus bums of the week.
Razorbacks Silverfield, players on first day of spring practice Sunday
Razorbacks coach Ryan Silverfield with the media Monday on first spring practice held Sunday indoors.
Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson and defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes with the media Monday on first spring practice held Sunday indoors.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 3-16-26
Arkansas claims it’s first SEC Tournament Championship since 2000! Hogs take series from Ole Miss. Breaking down the tournament draw!
Razorbacks win SEC Tournament title, first since 2000
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The wait is finally over for Arkansas basketball.
After more than two decades without an SEC Tournament championship, the Razorbacks finished the job Sunday by defeating Vanderbilt 86–75 at Bridgestone Arena.
The victory gave Arkansas its first conference tournament title since 2000 and secured the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
It also marked a milestone moment for coach John Calipari and a roster that kept pushing through a demanding SEC schedule.
Behind a strong performance from guard Darius Acuff Jr., the Hogs controlled key stretches of the game and closed it out late to claim the program’s second SEC Tournament crown.
A long-awaited championship moment
Arkansas had come close before but hadn’t finished the job in this event for many years.
The program’s previous SEC Tournament title came in 2000 under Nolan Richardson, when the Razorbacks defeated Auburn in the championship game.
That drought ended Sunday afternoon.
The Razorbacks played with confidence early and gradually built momentum as the game progressed.
Vanderbilt made several runs, but Arkansas answered with timely baskets and steady defense.
The victory was another step forward for a team that had already shown it could compete with anyone in the conference this season.
Acuff leads the Razorbacks
Darius Acuff Jr. once again delivered when Arkansas needed him most.
The standout guard, who has been one of the team’s most reliable players throughout the season, helped pace the offense and earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
Acuff’s scoring and playmaking helped the Razorbacks maintain control during crucial moments, especially when Vanderbilt tried to cut into the lead.
His performance reflected the role he has played all season as a leader for Arkansas. When the game tightened, the ball often found its way into his hands.
Vanderbilt entered the championship game with momentum after an impressive tournament run.
But Arkansas handled the challenge.
Each time the Commodores threatened to shift the game’s direction, the Razorbacks responded with a big basket or defensive stop. The Hogs gradually stretched their lead late in the second half and eventually secured the 86–75 victory.
Arkansas’ balanced scoring and defensive effort helped prevent Vanderbilt from gaining sustained momentum.
By the final minutes, the Razorbacks were firmly in control.
Tournament run builds confidence
The championship victory capped a strong week for Arkansas in Nashville.
The Razorbacks had already survived a tough semifinal game against Ole Miss to reach the title matchup. That overtime win showed the team’s resilience and helped set the stage for Sunday’s celebration.
Arkansas’ ability to win close games throughout the tournament proved important. The Hogs stayed calm during pressure situations and relied on their experienced players to finish possessions.
That approach carried over into the championship game.
For Arkansas fans, the victory carries extra significance.
The program has produced strong teams over the years but had not captured the SEC Tournament title since the turn of the century. The Razorbacks’ triumph finally ended that stretch and added another chapter to the school’s basketball history.
The championship also gives Arkansas momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Winning four games in four days in one of college basketball’s toughest leagues is never easy. Doing it against quality opponents makes the accomplishment even more meaningful.
Razorbacks turn attention to March Madness
With the SEC Tournament trophy secured, Arkansas now shifts its focus to the NCAA Tournament.
The Razorbacks will enter the national bracket with confidence after proving they can handle high-pressure games.
Their offense has been explosive, and the team has shown the ability to respond when games become tight late.
If the Hogs continue to get strong performances from players like Acuff and maintain the balance they displayed in Nashville, they could be a difficult opponent in the weeks ahead.
For now, though, Arkansas can celebrate a moment that has been more than two decades in the making.
The Razorbacks are SEC Tournament champions once again.
Razorbacks rally late to clinch SEC opening series vs Mississippi State
Fifth-ranked Arkansas handled a long Saturday at Baum-Walker Stadium by doing what it needed most — win the game that mattered.
After dropping the first game of a doubleheader, Arkansas responded with a late comeback in the nightcap to defeat third-ranked Mississippi State 7-3 and clinch the SEC Opening Weekend series.
The split gave the Razorbacks a 2-1 conference start and continued a strong trend in Fayetteville against the Bulldogs.
The Hogs improved to 14-6 overall and secured their ninth straight SEC Opening Weekend series victory, a streak that dates back to 2017.
Arkansas has also now won nine consecutive home series against Mississippi State at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The day included two very different games, beginning with a difficult afternoon for Arkansas before a determined comeback in the evening.
Mississippi State controls first game of doubleheader
The Razorbacks struggled to generate offense early Saturday as Mississippi State starter Tomas Valincius controlled the opening game.
Valincius worked seven shutout innings and struck out seven batters, preventing Arkansas from finding any rhythm at the plate. By the time the Hogs broke through late, the Bulldogs had already built a comfortable lead.
Mississippi State eventually claimed a 7-2 win in the first contest of the doubleheader.
Arkansas starter Hunter Dietz battled through 4.2 innings on the mound. The right-hander allowed five runs on four hits and issued three walks while recording eight strikeouts before turning the game over to the bullpen.
Relievers Tate McGuire and Cooper Dossett combined to finish the game for the Razorbacks. McGuire worked 3.1 innings and allowed two runs while striking out two. Dossett handled the final inning and struck out one.
The Hogs finally pushed across runs in the eighth inning when Nolan Souza drove in a run with a single and Ryder Helfrick followed with an RBI double. The rally cut into the deficit but wasn’t enough to overcome Mississippi State’s early advantage.
Helfrick and TJ Pompey each finished with multiple hits in the opener. Helfrick went 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI, while Pompey also recorded two hits and tripled during the game.
Despite the loss, Arkansas still had a chance to take the series heading into the nightcap.
Razorbacks erase deficit to clinch series
The second game began with another early challenge for the Razorbacks.
Mississippi State scored three runs in the second inning to take the lead and briefly put Arkansas in a difficult spot. But the Hogs gradually chipped away before delivering the decisive rally late.
Arkansas starter Colin Fisher settled in after the early damage. The right-hander worked 4.2 innings and allowed three runs while striking out six before handing the game over to the bullpen.
The Razorbacks trimmed the deficit in the third inning. Two runs crossed the plate on a wild pitch and a passed ball, pulling Arkansas within a run.
Ryder Helfrick later tied the game in the fifth inning with a two-out RBI single that brought the score even at 3-3.
The turning point came late.
Arkansas erupted for four runs in the eighth inning to take control of the game. Maika Niu delivered the go-ahead RBI single, and TJ Pompey followed with a run-scoring hit. The rally continued with a bases-loaded walk and a run coming home on an error.
The four-run inning turned a tight contest into a comfortable lead.
The Razorback bullpen played a major role in the comeback. Steele Eaves, Parker Coil and Ethan McElvain combined for 4.1 scoreless innings in relief, shutting down the Bulldogs and allowing the offense time to rally.
McElvain earned the win to move to 3-0 on the season and closed the game with a scoreless ninth inning to secure the 7-3 victory.
Arkansas continues strong home series run
With the win, the Razorbacks extended their dominance over Mississippi State in Fayetteville. Arkansas hasn’t lost a home series to the Bulldogs since 2007.
The series victory also continued the program’s success in SEC opening weekends. Arkansas hasn’t dropped an opening SEC series since 2016.
Next up, Arkansas will finish its season-long 18-game homestand with a midweek series against Northern Colorado. First pitch for Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 6 p.m. on SEC Network+.
Razorbacks manage to write final chapter on Ole Miss’ storybook run
For the first time since 2017, Arkansas will play in the championship game of the SEC Tournament in Nashville.
The Razorbacks got there by knocking out Ole Miss, 93-90 on Saturday afternoon, putting an end to the team that a had a magical run through the first three rounds of the tournament.
But the Hogs needed an overtime to do it. It might not have been so dramatic if Arkansas had been able to hit some free throws in the final five seconds of regulation and late in overtime.
Meleek Thomas, who led everybody in scoring with XX, could have had more but missed two to seal the game in regulation. That set up the Rebels AJ Storr to drive the length of the floor for dunk at the buzzer to get an overtime period.
Three missed free throws by Trevon Brazile in the final 19 seconds of overtime kept Ole Miss in the game and Darius Acuff missed another one. That gave Ole Miss a chance at the end.
Storr put up a three-pointer at the end of overtime clanged off the front of the rim and now the Razorbacks have to face another team with a surprising tournament run. Vanderbilt blew out No. 1-seed Florida on Saturday.
The Rebels were trying to become the first No. 15 seed to play in a championship game in tournament history. The Hogs ended that chance.
Arkansas builds early lead before Rebels rally
Arkansas grabbed an early edge in the first half when Billy Richmond slammed an alley-oop pass from Acuff to make it 4-2 with about 18 minutes remaining.
That basket marked the first time Ole Miss had trailed in the tournament.
The Razorbacks quickly added to their advantage with a strong run. Arkansas scored 13 of the next 15 points to build a 19-9 lead with 12:32 remaining in the opening half.
During that stretch, Brazile energized the Hogs with two dunks while Jonas Aidoo Thomas connected on two three-pointers. The burst helped Arkansas create early breathing room.
But Ole Miss responded midway through the half. The Rebels caught fire and made six of eight shots from the field to trim the Razorbacks’ lead to 29-28 with 4:29 left before halftime.
Arkansas answered with another quick push. The Hogs scored six straight points in just 44 seconds, forcing Rebels coach Chris Beard to call a timeout as Arkansas regained control.
The final minutes of the half belonged to Ole Miss, however. Arkansas struggled offensively, going through a scoring drought lasted 2:21. The Razorbacks missed their final four shots and six of their last seven attempts before halftime.
Ole Miss took advantage and closed the half with a 6-0 run. Patton Pinkins was fouled on a half-court heave at the buzzer and converted three free throws, pulling the Rebels within 37-36 at the break.
Second half turns into tight contest
The game remained tight throughout the second half as both teams traded baskets and momentum.
Arkansas finally created some separation late when the Razorbacks delivered a quick scoring burst. Over a 58-second span, the Hogs produced a 6-0 run capped by two powerful dunks from Malique Ewin.
That short surge gave Arkansas a 64-58 lead and forced Ole Miss to call a timeout while Arkansas fans erupted in celebration.
Even after that run, the Rebels refused to go away. AJ Storr led the charge for Ole Miss and finished with a team-high 24 points.
Storr continued to pressure the Razorbacks down the stretch, keeping the Rebels within reach late in the game.
Darius Acuff also played a key role for Arkansas. The Razorbacks guard scored 24 points and delivered one of the biggest plays late in regulation.
With 2:38 remaining, Acuff waved off help and knocked down a contested three-pointer. The shot helped keep Arkansas in front and proved important as the game moved toward the closing seconds.
Late drama sends game to overtime
The final moments of regulation brought more tension.
Travis Perry drilled a corner three-pointer that cut Arkansas’ lead to 78-75. Ole Miss then gained possession with just nine seconds remaining.
Ilias Kamardine stepped to the free-throw line and calmly made both shots, bringing the Rebels within one point at 78-77.
Arkansas had a chance to seal the game when Thomas was fouled. He missed the first free throw but made the second, leaving the door open.
Storr then raced the length of the floor and scored a layup with 1.1 seconds remaining to tie the game and send the contest to overtime.
Free throws secure overtime victory
The extra period stayed tight as both teams battled for control.
Arkansas eventually gained a small edge in the final seconds. Brazile split a pair of free throws to give the Razorbacks a 93-90 lead with 1.7 seconds remaining.
Ole Miss had one final opportunity, but Perry’s long attempt at the buzzer missed the mark.
The Razorbacks escaped with the win after surviving the late push from the Rebels.
Ole Miss’ season ended with the defeat. The Rebels had become the lowest-seeded team ever to reach a conference semifinal before falling in overtime.
For Arkansas, the victory added another chapter to its SEC Tournament history.
The program’s only conference tournament championship came in 2000, while its most recent title-game appearance before this run ended in an 82-65 loss to Kentucky in 2017 when current Arkansas coach John Calipari led the Wildcats.
Acuff Jr. scores 37 as Razorbacks rally past Oklahoma in SEC Tournament
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Darius Acuff Jr. delivered one of the most memorable scoring performances in Arkansas SEC Tournament history Friday night in Nashville.
Acuff poured in a game-high 37 points to lead Arkansas to an 82–79 win over Oklahoma at Bridgestone Arena. The Razorbacks leaned heavily on the star guard throughout the night, and he responded with timely baskets as the game tightened in the closing minutes.
His scoring total ranks as the second-most points by an Arkansas player in an SEC Tournament game since the program joined the league.
Only Todd Day has scored more for Arkansas in the conference tournament. Day finished with 39 points against Alabama on March 14, 1992.
Acuff’s performance helped the Hogs overcome a halftime deficit and surge late to secure the victory.
The Razorbacks improved their offense in the final minutes, hitting six of their last eight field goal attempts while also converting free throws to protect the lead.
By the end of the night, the guard had carried Arkansas through one of its most important games of the postseason.
Acuff sparks late scoring surge
The Razorbacks found their momentum in the closing stretch, and Acuff was at the center of it.
He buried a three-pointer with 2:27 remaining that pushed Arkansas ahead 76–69. The shot came during a run in which the Hogs made five straight field goals.
The moment energized the Arkansas crowd inside Bridgestone Arena. Traveling students responded with loud “MVP” chants as Acuff jogged back down the court.
The guard wasn’t finished.
With 27 seconds left, he connected on another basket to extend the lead to 79–77. That score restored a four-point margin and helped the Razorbacks maintain control late.
Acuff had already done most of his work before halftime.
He scored 21 points in the first half, marking his second-highest first-half total of the season. His best first half came earlier this year against Alabama when he scored 22 points before halftime on his way to a 49-point night.
Acuff ended the first half Friday with a buzzer-beating three-pointer that trimmed the Oklahoma lead to 39–37 at the break.
Arkansas defense slows Oklahoma after halftime
While Acuff led the offense, the Razorbacks made key defensive adjustments after halftime.
Arkansas focused on Oklahoma guard Nijel Pack, who had been a major scoring threat early.
Pack scored 16 points in the first half but was limited to only three points in the second half.
The Sooners still received production from Derrion Reid, who finished with 17 points. Reid scored 12 of those after halftime, but the Hogs’ defensive pressure on Pack proved important as the game tightened.
Arkansas also created momentum with a highlight play late in the game.
Meleek Thomas tossed an alley-oop pass to Trevon Brazile for a dunk that gave the Razorbacks a 73–67 lead with 3:47 remaining.
The basket marked Arkansas’ fourth straight made field goal during that stretch.
Razorbacks advance to face Ole Miss
Oklahoma stayed close as the final minutes unfolded.
Tae Davis knocked down a three-pointer with 1:30 remaining that cut the Arkansas lead to four points. It was the closest the Sooners would get in the closing moments.
Oklahoma still had one final opportunity.
With 0.6 seconds left, the Sooners regained possession with a chance to tie the game.
Arkansas coach John Calipari initially believed the game had ended and began walking along Oklahoma’s bench shaking hands before realizing time remained on the clock.
Oklahoma didn’t manage to get a shot off before the buzzer sounded.
With the win, the Razorbacks advanced to the SEC Tournament semifinals.
Arkansas will face No. 15 seed Ole Miss at approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Bridgestone Arena. The Rebels reached the semifinal after upsetting No. 2 seed Alabama 80–79 earlier Friday.
The other semifinal features No. 1 seed Florida against No. 4 seed Vanderbilt at noon Saturday.
The SEC Tournament championship game is scheduled for noon Sunday.
Friday’s result could also influence NCAA Tournament seeding.
Arkansas is considered one of several teams competing for the final No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament bracket. Texas Tech, Vanderbilt and St. John’s are among the other teams believed to be in that discussion.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma will now wait for Selection Sunday at 5 p.m. Sunday on CBS to learn whether it will be included in the NCAA Tournament field.
