In a game that may very well be remembered as a Game of the Year candidate, the Alabama Crimson Tide outlasted the Arkansas Razorbacks 117–115 in a breathtaking double-overtime thriller that embodied everything great about SEC basketball.
From the opening tip, this one felt different.
Offensive Fireworks From the Start
Arkansas wasted no time setting the tone, pouring in 57 first-half points behind blistering shot-making and confident offensive execution. The Razorbacks pushed the pace, attacked gaps, and built a 10-point halftime cushion as Alabama struggled to contain dribble penetration and transition opportunities.
But if the first half belonged to Arkansas, the second half showcased Alabama’s resilience.
Down 10 at the break, the Crimson Tide stormed back with poise and persistence. They began attacking downhill, forcing contact and living at the free-throw line. Alabama knocked down 82% of its attempts from the stripe, turning “easy points” into momentum-changing possessions. Possession by possession, the Tide chipped away until the game evolved into a back-and-forth heavyweight bout.
Darius Acuff Jr. and Labaron Philon Matchup One For The Ages
The marquee matchup between Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. and Alabama’s Labaron Philon more than delivered. Both guards looked every bit like future SEC Player of the Year finalists.
Philon finished with 35 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists, going 10-of-13 from the free-throw line. His ability to control tempo late, get to his spots, and convert under pressure proved decisive in closing time.
Acuff, however, was sensational. The Arkansas star exploded for 49 points, adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists while shooting 6-of-10 from three-point range. Even more impressive: just one turnover in a high-usage, double-overtime performance. One could easily argue Acuff outperformed his counterpart statistically and stylistically.
But in games like this, the final column that matters most is the win.
And that belonged to Philon and Alabama.
Arkansas had its chances. In fact, the Razorbacks built a lead as large as 14 points and appeared in control midway through the second half. Their offense hummed, and the crowd sensed a signature road victory in reach.
Instead, defensive lapses and familiar road inconsistencies crept in. Alabama capitalized on second chances, drew fouls at key moments, and repeatedly answered Arkansas runs. What once looked like a Razorback statement win slowly turned into a test of late-game execution, one the Crimson Tide ultimately passed.
From the closing minutes of regulation through both overtime periods, the contest transformed into a possession-by-possession chess match. Big shots. Tough finishes. Momentum swings. Each team refused to blink.
This is what SEC basketball is all about.
For Alabama, the victory reinforces its identity: resilient, aggressive, and lethal when attacking the rim. Winning a 117–115 double-overtime battle against a surging Arkansas squad sends a message to the rest of the conference.
For Arkansas, the loss will sting. A 49-point masterpiece from Acuff deserved a better ending. Yet defensive consistency, particularly on the road, continues to be a concern. Championship-level teams close games when holding double-digit second-half leads. This one will haunt John Calipari and the Razorbacks.