Arkansas Freshman Darius Acuff Scores 49 Points in Loss to Alabama

Acuff's historic performance was the talk of college basketball on Wednesday despite the Razorbacks' overtime defeat.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:31pm

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Despite Arkansas' 2 overtime loss to Alabama, freshman phenom Darius Acuff's historic 49-point performance was the talk around the nation on Wednesday. Acuff played all 50 minutes of the fast-paced contest and was 16 of 27 shooting, including 6 of 10 from three-point range and 11 of 12 from the free throw line. He also pulled down 5 rebounds and dished out 7 assists while only turning the ball over once.

Why it matters

Acuff's performance was one of the greatest individual efforts ever by a freshman in Division I men's basketball. His 49 points set a new program record for Arkansas and are the most ever scored by a freshman against an AP-ranked opponent. The loss was tough, but Acuff's heroics captivated the college basketball world.

The details

Darius Acuff Jr., a Detroit native and seven-time SEC Freshman of the Week, exploded for 49 points in Arkansas' 117-115 double overtime loss to No. 25 Alabama. Acuff was 16 of 27 shooting, including 6 of 10 from three-point range and 11 of 12 from the free throw line. He also contributed 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal while only turning the ball over once.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

A freshman guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who delivered one of the greatest individual performances in college basketball history.

Rotnei Clark

A former Arkansas player who held the program record for most points in a single game with 51 prior to Acuff's 49-point outburst.

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What they’re saying

“Darius Acuff Jr. with an ALL-TIME performance against No. 25 Alabama 🔥 🏀 49 PTS in 50 MIN 🏀 5 REB 🏀 5 AST A defensive nightmare 😤”

— ESPN

“Most points by a freshman in @RazorbackMBB history. Most points by a freshman vs. an AP-ranked opponent in college basketball history. Darius Acuff Jr. left it all on the floor👏”

— SEC Network

“Like I said he's the Best College Guard that Calipari has ever coached! His name is Darius Acuff Jr. Carry the hell on…”

— Kendrick Perkins

“I know they didn't win the game, but what Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff, Jr. just did in that game vs. Alabama was jaw-dropping. 49 points. Wow.”

— Field Yates

“Darius Acuff's 49-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance tonight against Alabama marked the highest scoring output EVER for a player under John Calipari.”

— Jon Rothstein

What’s next

The Razorbacks will look to bounce back from the tough loss when they take on LSU on Saturday, February 22nd.

The takeaway

Darius Acuff Jr.'s historic 49-point performance in a losing effort against Alabama showcased his immense talent and potential as one of the top young stars in college basketball. Despite the defeat, Acuff's heroics captivated the nation and solidified his status as a must-watch player for the remainder of the season.