Arkansas delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Tuesday night, overwhelming LSU 91-62 in a dominant road victory that sent a clear message to the rest of the SEC.
With the win, the Razorbacks improved to 18-6 overall and 8-3 in conference play, remaining within a half-game of first-place Florida. More importantly, Arkansas recorded the first back-to-back SEC road wins by 20 or more points in program history — a testament to just how locked in this team has become.
John Calipari’s Razorbacks Are Peaking When It Matters Most
After a season filled with ups and downs, head coach John Calipari was understandably pleased with his team’s effort.
"“We played really good today,” Calipari said. “We’ve had other games where we’ve really played bad. It just wasn’t this game. So, this is more about us than it was about LSU.”"John Calipari
That quote says everything about where this team is mentally. Calipari has consistently emphasized growth, accountability, and improvement, knowing what needs work while building around what his team does well. And as history shows, Calipari-coached teams tend to peak at the right time. As players grow more comfortable in their roles and the team chemistry strengthens, Arkansas appears to be finding its stride at just the right moment.
That trend was evident last season in Year 1 of the Calipari experience in Fayetteville, and it’s showing again now.
Freshman standout Acuff will grab the headlines, and deservedly so. He poured in 28 points, marking his fifth straight game with at least 22. After scoring 31 in the first meeting against LSU, he followed it up with another efficient and confident performance. He’s playing with poise, rhythm, and the kind of offensive command that changes games.
But this win was about more than scoring and more than the star guard..
The real difference-maker was veteran forward Trevon Brazile.
Trevon Brazile Is Becoming the Difference-Maker Arkansas Needs
Brazile finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks. When he was on the floor, Arkansas was a staggering plus-38. He didn’t “light up” the scoring column, but anyone who understands basketball knows the game is about far more than points. Brazile dominated the glass, protected the rim, and anchored the defense in a way that completely shifted the tone of the matchup.
Five blocks in an SEC conference game is impressive. A plus-38 impact is absurd.
Against a tough LSU squad, Brazile showed exactly the presence Arkansas needs from him down low. His ability to control the boards and alter shots gives this Razorback team a different dimension, one that could prove to be the wild card down the stretch. Both of these aspects have been weaknesses of this squad and Brazile showed up in a big way.
If Brazile continues to assert himself defensively and physically the way he did in Baton Rouge, Arkansas becomes a far more dangerous team. Combined with Acuff’s scoring surge and the steady leadership Calipari is instilling, the Razorbacks are building something that looks increasingly sustainable.
With momentum growing and confidence rising, Arkansas isn’t just chasing Florida in the SEC standings, they’re positioning themselves as a legitimate contender for a conference title and a serious threat heading into March Madness.
And if this performance against LSU is any indication, the Razorbacks may just be hitting their stride at exactly the right time.