TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — After being seen in a protective boot earlier this week, Arkansas standout Darius Acuff Jr. responded emphatically when coach John Calipari questioned if he would sit out Wednesday’s game against Alabama.
Calipari reminisced, “He said, ‘Are you crazy?'”
Not only did Acuff take to the court, but he also shone brightly. The freshman guard came close to securing a remarkable win in a thrilling 117-115 double-overtime defeat on a night when the 20th-ranked Razorbacks were limited to a seven-man rotation facing the No. 25 Crimson Tide.
Acuff tallied an impressive 49 points, marking the second-highest single-game score in college basketball this season. He was instrumental for Arkansas throughout the match, shooting 16 of 27, including 6 of 10 from beyond the arc, and contributing five rebounds and five assists.
He logged all 50 minutes for Calipari’s injury-ravaged team, stepping up even more after four teammates fouled out during overtime. Unfortunately, he missed crucial jump shots at the close of each extra period.
“He was in a boot for two days and still did that,” Calipari joked.
Acuff set the record for the most points scored by a freshman against an AP Top 25 opponent, and he also recorded the highest points by an Arkansas freshman and the most in any Southeastern Conference game by a Razorbacks player. He fell just two points short of Rotnei Clarke’s program record of 51 set in 2009 against Alcorn State.
“We let leads slip away, but we fought hard,” Acuff reflected. “[My performance] doesn’t mean anything because we lost. No matter how many I scored, we still lost. I wish I could take the loss back.”
“It was an exciting game. We had a few players go down. No excuses; I’m just proud of how we battled.”
Arkansas initially led by 14 points twice but couldn’t hold off Alabama, marking their first loss in four games. This overshadowed an otherwise remarkable performance.
Acuff attempted the final shot of the game. His floater in the lane hit the backboard, leading to an Alabama rebound, which clinched their fifth consecutive win. He tied the game in regulation with a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left, contributing to 35 of Arkansas’ 58 points during the second half and overtime.
This game capped off an impressive run for him. It marked his third straight game scoring at least 25 points and seventh consecutive game with a minimum of 20 points, including three 30-point performances in that stretch. Arkansas holds a 5-2 record during this period.
although the loss, Arkansas (19-7, 9-4 Southeastern Conference) is tied for second place in the league. The Razorbacks, Alabama, and Tennessee are all two games behind defending national champions and 12th-ranked Florida.
With Acuff’s current form, the Razorbacks appear primed to be competitors in March.
“His body language, his ability to elevate everyone around him, and his desire to win,” Calipari praised. “I’ve coached some exceptional guards over the years, and he’s right up there with them. His uniqueness and talent were on full display today.”
