Arkansas Looks to Upset Alabama in SEC Showdown

Razorbacks aim to end 5-game losing streak against Crimson Tide

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team heads to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide, hoping to pick up their first win over Alabama since 2020. The Razorbacks will need to limit turnovers, capitalize on their offensive efficiency, and contain Alabama's three-point shooting to pull off the upset.

Why it matters

This SEC matchup has major implications for the conference standings and NCAA Tournament seeding. Both teams are ranked in the top 25 in the NET rankings, making this an important resume-building opportunity for the Razorbacks.

The details

Arkansas has lost five straight games against Alabama since their last victory in 2020. The Crimson Tide have been dominant at home, winning four of those five matchups by four points or less. However, the Razorbacks enter this game with confidence after recent offensive explosions, led by standout performances from Darius Acuff Jr. and Billy Richmond III. Arkansas will need to limit turnovers and neutralize Alabama's three-point shooting to have a chance at the upset.

  • The last time Arkansas defeated Alabama was in February 2020.
  • Alabama has won 5 straight games against Arkansas since then.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

A freshman star for the Razorbacks, Acuff Jr. recently tied his career-high with 31 points and 7 three-pointers in a win over Auburn.

Billy Richmond III

An x-factor for Arkansas, Richmond III scored 25 points on 12-of-15 shooting and contributed across the stat sheet in the win over Auburn.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who has led his team to 5 straight wins over Arkansas since taking over the program in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“We must limit turnovers and capitalize on our offensive efficiency to have a chance at the upset.”

— Eric Musselman, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks (si.com)

“Alabama's three-point shooting will be a major challenge for our defense, but we're confident we can contain it if we execute our game plan.”

— Darius Acuff Jr., Freshman Guard, Arkansas Razorbacks (si.com)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing a double-bye in the SEC Tournament next month.

The takeaway

This SEC showdown between two top-25 NET teams will have major implications for the conference standings and NCAA Tournament seeding. Arkansas has the offensive firepower to pull off the upset, but they'll need to limit turnovers and contain Alabama's three-point shooting to end their 5-game losing streak against the Crimson Tide.