The Arkansas Razorbacks showed grit, growth, and a fearless belief in their future on Saturday night, storming back from a second-half deficit to defeat the Oklahoma Sooners 83–79. At the heart of the comeback was a freshman backcourt duo that continues to announce itself on the national stage: Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas.
Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas Lead The Way For Arkansas
Arkansas leaned heavily on its young stars when it mattered most, and they delivered in emphatic fashion.
Acuff Jr. was the engine that drove the Razorbacks all night, putting together one of the most efficient performances you’ll see at the collegiate level. The freshman floor general finished with 21 points and nine assists, and remarkably, zero turnovers. It was a masterclass in poise and decision-making, blending explosive scoring with flawless ball control as Arkansas chipped away at Oklahoma’s lead and eventually surged ahead.
Acuff’s ability to command the game never wavered, even when the Razorbacks struggled to find rhythm early. As the second half unfolded, his confidence became contagious, sparking a more fluid and aggressive Arkansas offense that ultimately flipped the game.
While Acuff led the way statistically, Thomas delivered some of the most important moments of the night.
Thomas scored 16 points, good for second on the team, but none were bigger than the final two. With the Razorbacks clinging to a narrow lead in the closing seconds, the freshman calmly stepped to the line and buried two clutch free throws to help ice the game.
There was never any doubt in head coach John Calipari’s mind.
"“He has an other-worldly belief in himself,” Calipari said. “Confidence. It’s not normal. There is nothing I can say that will make him think he can’t do something.”"John Calipari
That confidence is evident every time Thomas touches the ball. He never hesitates to take a shot, never plays with fear, and when he sees one go in, he can heat up in a hurry. His willingness to embrace the moment has quickly made him a trusted option down the stretch, an uncommon trait for a freshman, but one that continues to define his rapid rise.
The Razorbacks also got solid contributions from the supporting cast. Ewin added 12 points, while Knox chipped in 11, giving Arkansas four players in double figures. As a group, the Razorbacks were far more efficient in the second half, tightening up defensively and making smarter offensive decisions, adjustments that fueled the comeback.
Still, the identity of this Arkansas team is becoming clear. The Razorbacks will go as far as Acuff and Thomas take them.
With each passing game and week, the freshman duo continues to grow in confidence, chemistry, and control. If their progression continues at this pace, Arkansas’s young backcourt could rival any pairing in the country by season’s end.
On a night when Arkansas needed belief, composure, and a spark, its future showed up early, and delivered a win that felt bigger than the final score.