Darius Acuff's 49-Point Night Nearly Sends Arkansas to 2OT at Alabama
Darius Acuff erupted for 49 points and came within moments of forcing a second overtime in Arkansas' tight outing on Feb. 18 at Alabama, a performance that dominated the final stages of a high-stakes conference matchup.
Darius Acuff fuels late push in marquee SEC clash
The evening in Tuscaloosa centered on Darius Acuff's scoring barrage, a single-game outburst that nearly produced a 2OT win for the Razorbacks. That display arrived in what was billed as a key regular-season meeting between two ranked programs on Feb. 18, tipping off at 7: 00 pm ET at Coleman Coliseum.
Arkansas entered the contest among the nation’s higher-scoring teams and matched up with an opponent that also ranks near the top of the NCAA scoring lists. The matchup carried added weight: it marked the ninth time this season that a ranked Arkansas squad faced a ranked opponent during the regular season. The game featured contrasting team strengths in interior defense as well, with both teams listing among the national leaders in blocked shots.
What the game means for Arkansas' stretch run
The near-2OT finish and Acuff's 49-point output come as Arkansas pushes toward the final stretch of the conference slate. After the trip to Alabama, Arkansas returns home for two consecutive games: a home date against Missouri on Feb. 21 at 4: 00 pm ET, followed by a meeting with Texas A&M on Feb. 25 at 9: 00 pm ET. Those upcoming home games will give the Razorbacks a chance to regroup on their court following the razor-thin result in Tuscaloosa.
Beyond the immediate schedule, the contest highlighted how Arkansas and its opponent rank among the national leaders in offensive production and rim protection. Arkansas sits among the top teams in NCAA scoring and also ranks in the upper tier for blocked shots, while their opponent occupies an even higher national scoring position and is among the top teams for shot blocking as well. In a season where every conference game impacts seeding and postseason outlooks, a performance like Acuff's—coupled with a near overtime finish—underscores the fine margins that will decide the remainder of the slate.
While the final result left Arkansas narrowly short of a second-overtime opportunity, Darius Acuff's night will be remembered as one of the season's most electric individual outings and a defining moment in the Razorbacks' push through conference play.
