After narrow losses to Michigan State and Duke, Arkansas basketball finally got a much-needed signature win, defeating No. 6 Louisville 89-80 on Wednesday night at Bud Walton Arena. The victory provides a significant boost for a Razorbacks team navigating a challenging non-conference schedule and searching for consistency against top-tier opponents.
Trevon Brazile and Darius Acuff Jr. Lead the Charge
Trevon Brazile led the way early, scoring 12 of Arkansas’ first 19 points, helping the Razorbacks establish control from the tip. Freshman Darius Acuff Jr. recorded a double-double, finishing with 19 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and marking his official breakout performance.
Arkansas never trailed in the game, building a comfortable 18-point lead at the half, though Louisville chipped away in the second half, narrowing the margin to five on three separate occasions. Despite the Cardinals’ second-ranked 3-point shooting nationally (13.1 made per game), the Razorbacks held them to just 8-of-37 from deep, a critical factor in the victory.
Balanced Scoring and Team Effort
The Razorbacks’ win was powered by contributions across the board:
- Trevon Brazile: 21 points (17 in the first half), 5 rebounds
- Darius Acuff Jr.: 17 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds
- Meleek Thomas: 17 points, 5 rebounds
- Malique Ewin: 12 points, 9 rebounds (7 offensive)
- Billy Richmond III: 10 points
In total, five players scored in double figures, and the team converted 27-of-35 free throws, demonstrating efficiency at the line.
Dominating the Rebounding Battle
Rebounding, a weakness in previous close losses, was a major factor in Arkansas’ success against Louisville. The Razorbacks outrebounded the Cardinals 46-36, a notable achievement given that Louisville entered the game fifth nationally in rebounds per game (46.0) and 15th in rebound margin (+12.7).
This performance marked a dramatic turnaround from earlier losses, where Arkansas was outrebounded by 37-29 against Duke and 45-33 against Michigan State, highlighting the importance of controlling the glass in big games.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas’ defense on the perimeter limited Louisville’s long-range efficiency.
- Balanced scoring and clutch performances from multiple players showed depth and resilience.
- Dominant rebounding reversed one of the team’s primary weaknesses against elite competition.
- The win builds confidence for a challenging non-conference schedule still ahead.
Arkansas has now proven it can compete with elite teams and execute in all phases of the game. If the Razorbacks maintain their rebounding dominance and defensive intensity, they’ll be a team to watch in both non-conference play and the SEC season ahead.