Arkansas Hogs Advance to Sweet Sixteen with Nail-Biter Win

Freshman star Darius Acuff scores 36 points to lead the Razorbacks past High Point University, 94-88.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:53am

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The University of Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team has advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA March Madness tournament after a nail-biting 94-88 victory over High Point University in the second round. Freshman star Darius Acuff led the Razorbacks with 36 points, including 7 straight in the clutch to give Arkansas a late cushion. Defensive stops by Billy Richmond III and Malique Ewin also helped the Razorbacks pull away for the win.

Why it matters

The Razorbacks' victory over High Point University keeps their March Madness hopes alive as they advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Arkansas is looking to make a deep tournament run and potentially win the school's first national championship since 1994.

The details

In a close game that came down to the wire, the Razorbacks were led by the standout performance of freshman Darius Acuff, who scored 36 points. Acuff hit a series of clutch shots in the final minutes, including 7 straight points, to give Arkansas a 7-point lead they would not relinquish. Defensive stops by Billy Richmond III and Malique Ewin also helped the Razorbacks seal the victory over High Point.

  • The game was played on March 22, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.

The players

Darius Acuff

A freshman star for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team who scored 36 points to lead his team to victory over High Point University.

Billy Richmond III

A player for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks who made key defensive stops to help his team pull away late in the game against High Point University.

Malique Ewin

A player for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks who made important defensive plays to secure the victory over High Point University.

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What they’re saying

“Darius really stepped up when we needed him most. His clutch scoring and our defense in the final minutes were the difference-makers.”

— Eric Musselman, Head Coach, University of Arkansas Razorbacks

What’s next

The Razorbacks will face the winner of the Gonzaga-UCLA matchup in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Arkansas' victory over High Point University showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close games, traits that will be crucial as they continue their March Madness run and pursue the school's first national championship in over 25 years.