After an emotional and taxing loss to Kentucky a week ago, Arkansas basketball made sure there was no lingering hangover. The Razorbacks responded in a big way Saturday night, rolling past Mississippi State 88–68 in a performance that felt as much like a statement as it did a bounce-back.
Adjustments Pay Off as Razorbacks Handle Business
The loss in Lexington carried extra weight. Facing John Calipari’s former program with momentum building in SEC play, Arkansas had plenty at stake from both a coaching and team standpoint. That was then. A week of rest followed, and it showed immediately. The Razorbacks looked refreshed, focused, and in control from start to finish.
One of the biggest storylines came from the bench. Calipari had to condense the rotation down to seven players with the injuries to Karter Knox and DJ Wagner but it might've been a blessing in disguise. They got see the freshman Isaiah Sealy get some action and he was very productive showing his value on the defensive end where Arkansas needs the most help right. Sealy totaled three blocks in 15 minutes of play and showed he can get some run even when the other guys come back healthy.
Darius Acuff Jr. once again led the charge, continuing his impressive season as Arkansas’ primary ball handler. Acuff filled the stat sheet with efficiency, finishing with a team-high scoring output while also leading in assists. He shot 9-for-19 from the field, knocked down 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and committed just one turnover, a steady, controlled performance that has become the standard for him this season.
Trevon Brazile was a force alongside Acuff, posting 19 points and eight rebounds. His activity around the rim and ability to finish plays added another dimension to the Razorbacks’ offense. His defense was stellar as well tacking on four blocks not allowing for any easy points in the paint. The surprise of the night came from Nick Pringle, who dominated the glass with 11 rebounds and helped Arkansas control the interior.
The Razorbacks weren’t flawless. They shot just 36 percent from three-point range and left points at the line, converting 67 percent of their free throws. But the defense more than made up for it. Arkansas held Mississippi State to a frigid 20 percent from deep and just 64 percent at the free-throw line, while also winning the rebounding battle 38–33.
It wasn’t about perfection, it was about tone. Arkansas set it early and never let up. The Razorbacks once again showed their resilience, bouncing back the way they’ve done all season. With no back-to-back losses on the year, Calipari’s team continues to trend in the right direction as SEC play heats up.
This was the kind of response Arkansas needed, and one that suggests their best basketball may still be ahead.