Darius Acuff Jr. pours in a career-high 29 points as No. 18 Arkansas opens SEC play with an 86-75 win over No. 19 Tennessee on Saturday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena.
Acuff knocks down two clutch three-pointers in the final four minutes, while Karter Knox buries a shot-clock-beating three with three minutes left to help the Razorbacks pull away late.
Arkansas trails 58-55 midway through the second half before ripping off an 11-0 run, holding Tennessee scoreless for nearly five minutes to take control. The Volunteers briefly cut the margin to two, but Acuff responds with another deep three to swing momentum back to the Hogs.
Down the stretch, Arkansas is nearly flawless at the line, going 7-of-8 in the final minutes and 25-of-27 in the second half to seal the win.
Meleek Thomas scores 18 points, including 12 in the first half, to keep Arkansas close early. Malique Ewin adds 12 points, six rebounds, and five blocked shots, going a perfect 8-of-8 at the free throw line. Knox finishes with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Trevon Brazile posts seven points and seven boards.
Amari Evans leads Tennessee with 16 points.
Arkansas now heads out on the road, traveling to Ole Miss on Wednesday, before facing Auburn on Saturday.
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