Resilience has defined Arkansas all season; and once again, the Razorbacks answered the call.
After refusing to lose back-to-back games all year, Arkansas kept that streak intact with a 94-86 win over the Missouri Tigers, moving back into the win column in SEC play and reinforcing its position among the conference’s elite.
With the victory, the Razorbacks improved to 20-7 overall and 10-4 in SEC play, currently sitting third in the conference standings. They’re tied with Alabama, though the Crimson Tide holds the tiebreaker following their recent double-overtime thriller, a game-of-the-year candidate that ultimately went Alabama’s way.
Arkansas' New Secret Weapon Strikes Again
While much of the season has revolved around the brilliance of Darius Acuff Jr., Saturday’s win offered a refreshing twist.
Guard Billy Richmond III continued his emergence, stepping confidently into a larger role and leading Arkansas with 21 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting performance. As injuries to Wagner and Knox have thinned the rotation, Richmond has seen extended minutes, and he’s made the most of every opportunity.
His confidence has grown visibly in recent weeks. Against Missouri, he attacked decisively, finished through contact, and provided the scoring punch Arkansas needed at key moments.
In what could humorously be described as a “quiet night” for Darius Acuff Jr., the star guard still posted 20 points, four rebounds, and five assists, with zero turnovers.
That last number continues to define his season. Acuff has been elite at limiting mistakes, and his ball security remains one of Arkansas’ biggest strengths. Though he shot just 4-of-11 from the field and 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, he found ways to impact the game without forcing offense.
For a player who often carries the scoring burden, it was significant that Arkansas could win comfortably without needing a monster performance from him.
Defensive Lapses and Foul Trouble Nearly Cost Arkansas
The Razorbacks had to navigate adversity in the paint as Nick Pringle and Trevon Brazile both found themselves in foul trouble. That opened the door for Malique Ewin to log extended minutes, and he delivered.
Ewin tallied 16 points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes, providing steady interior production and energy. His presence helped stabilize Arkansas during critical stretches when depth was being tested.
While the win keeps Arkansas trending upward, the defensive performance leaves room for improvement.
Missouri shot 55% from the field and scored 86 points, numbers that will concern the coaching staff. However, the Tigers left points at the free-throw line, converting just 74%, and committed more turnovers than Arkansas. Those mistakes proved costly.
The Razorbacks slightly outrebounded 31-26, which was another differentiator that helped the Hogs come out on top in this battle.
Staying the Course in the SEC Race
What matters most, though, is the response.
Arkansas continues to avoid consecutive losses, a testament to its maturity and ability to adjust. With a 20-7 record and firmly entrenched near the top of the SEC standings, the Razorbacks remain very much in the hunt.
If Richmond’s growth continues, Acuff maintains his elite control of the offense, and the defense sharpens up down the stretch, Arkansas has the pieces to make serious noise.
For now, the streak lives on, and the Razorbacks are right back where they want to be: climbing.