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Razorbacks Survive Outside Shooting Woes, Knock Off Upset-minded Sooners
Acuff, Thomas carry Arkansas to an 83–79 road win despite struggles from three-point range.
Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:55pm
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The Arkansas Razorbacks overcame their worst shooting performance from beyond the arc this season, relying on star freshmen Darius Acuff, Jr. and Meleek Thomas to defeat the Oklahoma Sooners 83-79 on the road. Despite shooting just 11.8% (2-of-17) from three-point range, the Razorbacks dominated in the paint, scoring 56 points and making 17-of-22 layups and dunks. Acuff had 21 points and 9 assists without a turnover, while Thomas also scored over 30 points for the tenth time this season, the most of any freshman duo in the country.
Why it matters
This win helps Arkansas maintain its strong start to SEC play, matching the program's best conference record since 2008. The Razorbacks have struggled on the road this season, but this victory shows they can win away from home even when their outside shooting is off, relying instead on their interior scoring and stifling defense.
The details
Arkansas overcame a 13-point first-half deficit, outscoring Oklahoma 56-41 over the final 27 minutes. The Razorbacks' bench, led by Billy Richmond, Malique Ewin, and D.J. Wagner, outscored the Sooners' reserves 21-9. Arkansas also limited its turnovers, committing just 6 for the game, the second-fewest this season.
- The game was played on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
The players
Darius Acuff, Jr.
A star freshman guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who scored 21 points and dished out 9 assists without a turnover in the win over Oklahoma.
Meleek Thomas
A star freshman guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who scored over 30 points for the tenth time this season, the most of any freshman duo in the country.
John Calipari
The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who relied on his young backcourt duo to overcome the team's shooting struggles and earn the road victory.
Nigel Pack
A transfer guard for the Oklahoma Sooners who made 4-of-6 three-pointers in the first half to help build the Sooners' early lead.
Billy Richmond
A sophomore forward for the Arkansas Razorbacks who scored 9 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and had 2 steals off the bench to provide a valuable contribution.
What they’re saying
“On a night the Arkansas Razorbacks had their worst game shooting from beyond the arc, coach John Calipari relied on his pair of star freshmen to overcome the team's recent road woes to win 83-79 inside Lloyd Noble Arena.”
— SI.com
What’s next
The Razorbacks will take Wednesday off to recover before facing rival Kentucky on Saturday at Bud Walton Arena. Tipoff against the Wildcats is set for 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN.
The takeaway
This win shows the Razorbacks' ability to adapt and win in different ways, even when their outside shooting is off. Their balanced scoring attack, stifling defense, and selfless play allowed them to overcome a double-digit deficit and earn a crucial road victory against an upset-minded opponent.
