Darius Acuff Jr., Billy Richmond III career nights propel Hogs to win over Auburn

The tandem lit up the Tigers both from deep and in the lane in Arkansas' 88-75 victory.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. and sophomore wing Billy Richmond III had career-high performances to lead the 21st-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks to an 88-75 win over the Auburn Tigers on Saturday night. Acuff scored 31 points, including 7-of-10 from 3-point range, while Richmond had 25 points on 12-of-18 shooting from the field.

Why it matters

The win keeps Arkansas in the hunt for a top-4 seed in the SEC tournament, as they improve to 19-6 overall and 9-3 in conference play. Acuff and Richmond's breakout performances provide a boost to the Razorbacks' offense, which has been one of the best in the country this season.

The details

Acuff's 31 points tied a career-high he set earlier this season, and he was 7-of-10 from 3-point range. Richmond scored all 25 of his points inside the arc, setting career-highs in made field goals (12) and total points. The Razorbacks jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first half and were able to maintain a comfortable advantage for most of the game.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

A freshman guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who had a career-high 31 points, including 7-of-10 from 3-point range, in the win over Auburn.

Billy Richmond III

A sophomore wing for the Arkansas Razorbacks who scored a career-high 25 points on 12-of-18 shooting from the field in the victory.

John Calipari

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who praised Richmond's understanding of his role and playing to his strengths.

Steven Pearl

The head coach of the Auburn Tigers, who credited Acuff and Richmond's performances as the key reasons Arkansas was able to maintain control of the game.

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What they’re saying

“That was one of my goals coming in tonight, to make some more 3s. I feel like I only hit, like the most I hit this year is like four, I didn't feel like that was enough. So I just wanted to shoot a little more, get a little more up, because they was falling, so just kept shooting.”

— Darius Acuff Jr. (on3.com)

“He knows who he is. You got other guys that they want to be something that they're not, so you don't look as good. He knows exactly who he is. He does. He plays to his strengths. I wish every player would do it.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Billy Richmond has 12 two-point baskets, and that was a huge point of emphasis for us, trying to keep them out of two-point field goals. He did a great job for them. He's an X-factor when he can do those things. Darius obviously makes seven threes. Those two things right there were ultimately where the game was decided.”

— Steven Pearl, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Razorbacks will hit the road to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.

The takeaway

Acuff and Richmond's career-high performances provided a major boost to the Arkansas offense, showcasing the Razorbacks' depth and versatility as they continue their push for a top seed in the SEC tournament.