Freshman Thomas steps up for Arkansas in OT win over Missouri

Meleek Thomas scores career-high 28 points to lead Razorbacks with star guard Darius Acuff Jr. out

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In the No. 20 University of Arkansas men's basketball team's 88-84, overtime victory Saturday at Mizzou Arena, freshman guard Meleek Thomas scored a career-high-tying 28 points with star guard Darius Acuff Jr. out, helping spoil Missouri's senior send-off. Thomas shot 9 of 22 from the field and hit 5 of 6 from three-point range, adding 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 1 steal.

Why it matters

With Acuff, the Razorbacks' leading scorer, sidelined due to an ankle injury, Thomas stepped up in a big way to lead Arkansas to a crucial road win over a conference rival. Thomas' performance showcases the depth and versatility of the Razorbacks, who have ambitions of deep runs in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

The details

Arkansas coach John Calipari praised Thomas' performance, acknowledging that while some of his shots were 'ridiculous,' he needed to let the freshman 'go some because it makes him who he is.' Without Acuff, the Razorbacks needed someone to step up, and Thomas delivered, showcasing his scoring ability and all-around game.

  • The Razorbacks earned the No. 3 seed at next week's SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tenn. and will face one of Texas A&M, South Carolina and Oklahoma at approximately 8:30 p.m. Friday at Bridgestone Arena.
  • Arkansas went 3-0 against those teams in the regular season.

The players

Meleek Thomas

A freshman guard for the University of Arkansas men's basketball team who scored a career-high-tying 28 points in the Razorbacks' overtime win over Missouri.

Darius Acuff Jr.

The leading scorer for the University of Arkansas men's basketball team, who missed the game against Missouri due to a lingering ankle injury.

John Calipari

The head coach of the University of Arkansas men's basketball team.

Mark Mitchell

A forward for the University of Missouri men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“He's really good. I mean, he's kind of been doing the same thing with Acuff playing. Obviously with Acuff out, he hit some tough ones, man. He's a really good player; we weren't surprised by it. He's been doing it all year.”

— Mark Mitchell, Missouri forward (eldoradonews.com)

“I told him, 'You're going to have opportunities, you're going to do it,' ' Arkansas Coach John Calipari said. 'And I just grabbed him in the hallway and I said, 'I love coaching you, but you drive me crazy. Some of the shots you take are ridiculous, but I've got to let you go some because it makes you who you are.' '”

— John Calipari, Arkansas head coach (eldoradonews.com)

“It was very good for me to end the season on such a good game like that, scoring-wise. That's the spark I need going into the SEC Tournament, NCAA Tournament. That's just the spark that I want to continue.”

— Meleek Thomas (eldoradonews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.