PORTLAND, Ore. – Arkansas defeated High Point 94-88 on Saturday night at the Moda Center, securing a spot in the Sweet 16 for the fifth time in six years and the second consecutive year under Head Coach John Calipari.
The game featured 15 lead changes, with 10 occurring in the second half. Arkansas gained separation with a 3-pointer from Meleek Thomas with 6:11 remaining, giving them a four-point lead. High Point responded with five points from Rob Martin to tie the game with just over three minutes left.
With the score tied at 83, Darius Acuff Jr. Scored seven consecutive points – including two layups and a 3-pointer – to give Arkansas a 90-83 lead. After a basket from Cam’Ron Fletcher and free throws from Malique Ewin, Braden Hausen hit a 3-pointer for High Point, bringing the score to 92-88 with nine seconds remaining. Acuff then sealed the victory with two free throws, finalizing the score at 94-88 and sending the Razorbacks to San Jose for the Sweet 16.
Acuff’s Record-Breaking Performance
Darius Acuff Jr., the SEC Player of the Year, led the Razorbacks with 36 points and six assists. This performance marks the most points scored by a Razorback in an NCAA Tournament game. He also broke the Arkansas school record for single-season points, surpassing Todd Day’s previous record of 786 points. Acuff now has 817 points and 229 assists this season. His 60 points in his first two NCAA Tournament games are the most ever by a freshman in that span.
Malique Ewin recorded his second straight double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, adding four blocked shots and three assists. Billy Richmond III also achieved his first career double-double, contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds. Meleek Thomas added 19 points, shooting 3-of-5 from the 3-point range.
For High Point, Rob Martin led with 30 points and five assists, while Cam’Ron Fletcher added 25 points and eight rebounds.
A Back-and-Forth First Half
High Point started strong, but an 8-0 run gave Arkansas a 12-9 lead. The lead changed hands until Chase Johnston’s 3-pointer put High Point ahead 42-41 with 17 seconds remaining in the first half. Darius Acuff Jr. Responded with two free throws to give Arkansas a 43-42 lead at halftime. Arkansas shot 48.6% from the field in the first half.
In the second half, High Point went on an 8-0 run to grab a 56-52 lead, but Arkansas responded with 3-pointers from Billy Richmond III and Trevon Brazile. Arkansas shot 54.5% from the field in the second half and out-rebounded High Point 19-17.
Arkansas is now 2-0 all-time against High Point. Arkansas’ starting lineup included Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas, Billy Richmond III, Trevon Brazile and Malique Ewin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Arkansas 94, High Point 88.
Who led Arkansas in scoring?
Darius Acuff Jr. Led Arkansas with 36 points.
Where will Arkansas play in the Sweet 16?
Arkansas will play in San Jose for the Sweet 16 next weekend.
What will be the key to Arkansas’s continued success in the tournament?
