No. 20 Arkansas Topples Missouri in Tight SEC Matchup

Razorbacks use balanced scoring attack to hold off Tigers at home

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:40pm

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The No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the Missouri Tigers 94-86 in a close SEC matchup at Bud Walton Arena. Billy Richmond led the Razorbacks with a team-high 21 points, while Darius Acuff Jr. added 20 points, mostly from the free throw line. Five Arkansas players scored in double figures as the team overcame a pair of 20-point scorers from Missouri.

Why it matters

This win keeps Arkansas within two games of SEC-leading Florida in the conference standings. The Razorbacks have now won six straight games and are establishing themselves as a contender in the SEC. The game also featured standout individual performances, with Richmond continuing his recent hot streak and Acuff following up his SEC-record 49-point outing against Alabama.

The details

Arkansas used a balanced scoring attack to topple Missouri, with five players reaching double figures. Billy Richmond led the way with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including two key three-pointers in the second half. Darius Acuff Jr. added 20 points, going 11-of-13 from the free throw line. Malique Ewin (16 points), Meleek Thomas (14), and Trevon Brazile (12) also reached double digits for the Razorbacks. Missouri was paced by the guard duo of Mark Mitchell and Trent Pierce, who combined for 48 points.

  • Arkansas overcame a six-point deficit at halftime, ending the first half on a 16-4 run to take the lead.
  • This was the 63rd game in a Razorback uniform for Billy Richmond, who recorded his sixth straight game in double figures and third with at least 20 points.

The players

Billy Richmond

A senior guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks, who led the team with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including two key three-pointers in the second half.

Darius Acuff Jr.

A guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks, who finished the game with 20 points, mostly from the free throw line, just days after setting an SEC record with 49 points against Alabama.

Mark Mitchell

A guard for the Missouri Tigers, who combined with teammate Trent Pierce to score 48 points on 17-of-27 shooting.

Trent Pierce

A guard for the Missouri Tigers, who combined with teammate Mark Mitchell to score 48 points on 17-of-27 shooting.

DJ Wagner

A guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks, who hit a key three-pointer at the end of the first half to help the Razorbacks take the lead.

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What they’re saying

“Billy Richmond today:”

— Billy Richmond enjoyer

“Is Billy Richmond playing himself into a late 1st rounder”

— young shiner

“DJ Wagner played his best stretch of ball to close out the second half. LOVE to see that.”

— Matt Snyder

“Love seeing DJ Wagner get his confidence back”

— Timothy Whitaker

“Hogs playing Billyball now!”

— Mike Garner

What’s next

The Razorbacks will look to continue their strong conference play as they remain two games behind SEC-leading Florida in the standings.

The takeaway

Arkansas' balanced scoring attack and continued strong play from key contributors like Billy Richmond and Darius Acuff Jr. have the Razorbacks firmly in the mix as a contender in the SEC. The team's ability to overcome a halftime deficit and hold off a talented Missouri squad demonstrates their resilience and potential to make a deep postseason run.