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High Point Today
By the People, for the People
Arkansas' Acuff Jr. sets NCAA Tournament records in win over High Point
Freshman point guard Darius Acuff Jr. had a historic performance, becoming the first freshman with 35 points and 5 assists in a tournament game.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:52pm
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Arkansas basketball point guard Darius Acuff Jr. continued etching his name into the NCAA Tournament record books, scoring 36 points on 11-22 shooting to lead the Razorbacks to a narrow victory over High Point in the Round of 32. Acuff Jr. became the first freshman with 35 points and 5 assists in a tournament game, and he and High Point's Rob Martin were the first opposing players to each score 30 points and dish 5 assists in a tournament game since 1987.
Why it matters
Acuff Jr.'s historic performance has further boosted his NBA draft stock, as the freshman point guard has shown he can dominate on the biggest stage of college basketball. His offensive prowess has made him a must-watch player in this year's tournament, and the Razorbacks will need him to continue his stellar play as they advance to the Sweet 16.
The details
In the Round of 32 game, Acuff Jr. scored 36 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished 5 assists to lead Arkansas to victory over High Point. Meanwhile, High Point's Rob Martin scored 30 points of his own, making it the first time since 1987 that two opposing players each scored 30+ points and had 5+ assists in an NCAA Tournament game. Acuff Jr. also set the record for most points scored by a freshman in his first two tournament games with 60 points.
- On Saturday evening, Arkansas defeated High Point in the Round of 32 to advance to the Sweet 16.
- Darius Acuff Jr. scored 36 points in the game, the most ever by a freshman in a single NCAA Tournament game.
The players
Darius Acuff Jr.
A freshman point guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who has been skyrocketing up NBA Draft boards due to his dominant offensive performances in the NCAA Tournament.
Rob Martin
The star guard for the High Point Panthers who scored 30 points in the Round of 32 loss to Arkansas, becoming the first opposing player to score 30+ points and dish 5+ assists in an NCAA Tournament game since 1987.
What they’re saying
“Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. is the first freshman with 35 points & 5 assists in a game in NCAA Tournament history.”
— Jared Berson
“Acuff Jr. and Rob Martin are the first pair of opposing players each with 30 points & 5 assists in a Tournament game since 1987—Mitch Richmond vs Willie Anderson.”
— Jared Berson
“Darius Acuff Jr. scored 60 points this weekend in Portland, the most all-time by a freshman in his first 2 NCAA Tournament games.”
— Jared Berson
What’s next
The Razorbacks will have to wait and see who they will be playing in the Sweet 16 after Sunday's results unfold.
The takeaway
Darius Acuff Jr.'s historic offensive performance in the NCAA Tournament has cemented his status as a must-watch player and potential NBA lottery pick. His ability to take over games and make clutch shots has been a major factor in Arkansas' tournament run so far, and the Razorbacks will need him to continue this level of play if they hope to advance even further.
