Razorbacks Bounce Back Against Missouri For Convincing Home Victory

Arkansas overcomes early deficit to defeat SEC rival Missouri at home.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:28am

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The Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team bounced back from a double-overtime loss at Alabama just three days prior to defeat the Missouri Tigers 94-86 at home on Saturday. Arkansas was led by five players in double figures, including a 21-point performance from sophomore Billy Richmond III, who had to leave the game late due to an apparent injury. Freshman star Darius Acuff also continued his strong season, overtaking Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard as the SEC's leading scorer.

Why it matters

This win helps Arkansas maintain its position as one of the top teams in the SEC, as they look to build on their 20-win season under head coach John Calipari. The Razorbacks' ability to respond after a tough loss shows their resilience, while the continued emergence of players like Richmond and Acuff bodes well for their postseason aspirations.

The details

After falling behind 9-4 early, Arkansas outscored Missouri the rest of the way to pick up the 94-86 victory. The Razorbacks had five players score in double figures, led by Richmond's 21 points. However, Richmond had to leave the game late due to an apparent injury. Calipari said it may have just been cramps. Freshman star Darius Acuff continued his strong season, overtaking Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard as the SEC's leading scorer.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • Arkansas lost in double-overtime to Alabama just three days prior on February 19, 2026.

The players

John Calipari

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team, who is in his second season leading the program.

Billy Richmond III

A sophomore player for Arkansas who scored 21 points in the win, but had to leave the game late due to an apparent injury.

Darius Acuff

A freshman star for Arkansas who continued his strong season, overtaking Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard as the SEC's leading scorer.

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What they’re saying

“I was ready to defend them today. This is what I was going to tell them. 'They didn't have it, I've got your backs. You made more baskets, more threes, six blocks to one block and we lose [at Alabama]. 'It's on the road and its crazy. 'Did you expect a letdown today?' I did. Half of this is the mental part, especially now. They'll have the rest of today off and Sunday off.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach

“That was the quietest 21 point performance. I just let Billy play today. We just draw things up for him and let him play. My guess is he was cramping [toward the end of the game].”

— John Calipari, Head Coach

What’s next

With the win, Arkansas improves to 20-6 on the season and 10-4 in SEC play. They will look to continue their strong season on the road against Vanderbilt on February 26.

The takeaway

Arkansas' ability to bounce back from a tough loss and defeat a conference rival at home demonstrates the team's resilience and depth. The continued emergence of players like Billy Richmond III and Darius Acuff bodes well for the Razorbacks' postseason aspirations as they aim to build on their 20-win season under coach John Calipari.