No. 21 Arkansas Looks to Avenge Earlier Loss Against Struggling Auburn

Razorbacks aim to bounce back defensively after giving up 95 points in January defeat

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Fresh off a pair of resounding victories, No. 21 Arkansas looks to avenge its most decisive loss of the season against slumping Auburn in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday. The Razorbacks went 'back to the basics' defensively in a 91-62 victory at LSU on Tuesday, and could benefit from a similar effort in the rematch against Auburn, which shot 56.7% from the field in a 95-73 home victory on Jan. 10. Arkansas (18-6, 8-3 SEC) is one game behind SEC-leading Florida and tied with Kentucky for second, while Auburn (14-10, 5-6) has lost three in a row after a four-game winning streak.

Why it matters

This game is an important opportunity for Arkansas to bounce back from its earlier loss to Auburn and solidify its position in the SEC standings. The Razorbacks are fighting for a top-4 seed in the SEC tournament, which would earn them a double-bye. Meanwhile, Auburn is looking to end its recent slump and regain its footing in the conference.

The details

Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., an NCAA Freshman of the Year candidate, has been on a tear lately, scoring 28 points and dishing out 5 assists in the win over LSU. Forward Trevon Brazile has also stepped up, averaging a double-double over the last three games. However, the Razorbacks will be without DJ Wagner (ankle) and Karter Knox (knee) for the second straight game. Auburn was led by Keyshawn Hall's 32 points in the first meeting, but he struggled in the Tigers' most recent loss to Vanderbilt, going just 3-of-13 from the field.

  • The teams first met on January 10, with Auburn winning 95-73 at home.
  • This rematch will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2026 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

An NCAA Freshman of the Year candidate, Acuff has been on a scoring tear for Arkansas, including a 28-point, 5-assist performance in the win over LSU.

Trevon Brazile

The Arkansas forward has averaged a double-double over the last three games, providing a boost inside for the Razorbacks.

Keyshawn Hall

Auburn's leading scorer, Hall had 32 points in the first meeting against Arkansas but struggled in the Tigers' most recent loss.

Tahad Pettiford

The Auburn guard has scored 46 points over the last two games, including 21 against Vanderbilt, as he tries to help the Tigers end their recent skid.

Steven Pearl

In his first year as Auburn's head coach, Pearl is looking to get the Tigers back on track after their recent three-game losing streak.

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What they’re saying

“We were so bad defensively two-three weeks ago that some of this stuff is going back to the basics. How do I get us to take unbelievable pride defensively. We've just got to get there.”

— John Calipari, Arkansas Head Coach (statenews.net)

“People are going to be panicking right now. While the results haven't been there, this team has continued to get better.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing a top-4 seed in the SEC tournament, which would earn them a double-bye. Both teams will have a few more conference games remaining after this matchup to solidify their postseason positioning.

The takeaway

This game represents an important opportunity for Arkansas to avenge its earlier loss to Auburn and strengthen its position in the SEC standings. The Razorbacks' defensive effort will be crucial, as they look to slow down Auburn's high-powered offense and get back on track after their own recent struggles on that end of the floor.