Darius Acuff Jr. delivered a historic performance Wednesday night, scoring 49 points, but No. 20 Arkansas fell to No. 25 Alabama in a double-overtime thriller at Coleman Coliseum.
Acuff’s total set a new record for points by an Arkansas freshman and the most ever scored by a Razorback in an SEC game. He also surpassed Scotty Thurman’s freshman single-season scoring mark of 540 points and broke Todd Day’s previous SEC game record of 43 points set in 1992. Acuff finished just two points shy of Rotnei Clarke’s program record of 51.
The freshman guard scored 22 points in the first half and forced overtime by drilling his sixth three-pointer to tie the game at 95-95 late in regulation. Arkansas reached 100 first in the extra period, but Alabama answered to extend the game again.
In the second overtime, Acuff hit three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt to give Arkansas a brief lead. Alabama responded with a pair of free throws and a three-pointer by Houston Mallette to take control. Arkansas had one final chance, but a follow dunk attempt by Malique Ewin bounced off the rim as time expired.
Arkansas led 57-47 at halftime after shooting 60.5%, but Alabama surged in the second half, hitting 16 of 21 shots for 76.5%.
Three Razorbacks scored in double figures. Acuff added five rebounds and five assists while playing all 50 minutes. Meleek Thomas scored 24 points, including six three-pointers, and Billy Richmond contributed 20 points and six rebounds.
Alabama was led by Labaron Philon’s 35 points and seven assists. Aiden Sherrell recorded 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Amari Allen added 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Arkansas returns home Saturday to face Missouri at 3 at Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks will then host Texas A&M on Feb. 25 at 8. Both games will be televised nationally.
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