01/03/26 04:44:00
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01/03 16:43 CST Acuff scores 29 points to lead No. 18 Arkansas to a 86-75 win
over No. 19 Tennessee
Acuff scores 29 points to lead No. 18 Arkansas to a 86-75 win over No. 19
Tennessee
By ERIC W. BOLIN
Associated Press
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) --- Freshman Darius Acuff Jr. scored a career-high 29
points, including a key 3-pointer with just over two minutes left in the second
half, to help No. 18 Arkansas to an 86-75 win over No. 19 Tennessee in the
Southeastern Conference opener for both teams on Saturday.
Arkansas (11-3) used a 18-5 run over a 6-minute, 37-second span midway through
the second half to turn a five-point deficit into an eight-point lead with 5:40
left. Tennessee shot just 2 for 10 from the field during Arkansas' run, missing
eight shots in a row before finally scoring.
The Volunteers (10-4) took advantage of an Arkansas cold shooting spell --- the
Razorbacks picked up 12 of their 18 points during the run from the free-throw
line --- to close within two points with under four minutes to play. Acuff made
a 3-pointer from the wing with 2:09 remaining to give the Razorbacks a 79-68
lead.
Tennessee shot 49% from the field and was outscored at the line, going 12 for
23 while Arkansas shot 29 for 33.
Acuff was the only Arkansas player to shoot better than 50% from the floor,
going 9 for 16. The Razorbacks shot 42% overall. Acuff was joined in
double-digit scoring by Meleek Thomas, who scored 18 points. Malique Ewin added
12 points and Karter Knox 11.
Amari Evans' 17 points on 7-for-7 shooting led three Tennessee players in
double figures.
Arkansas won its opening SEC game for the first time since the 2020-21 season.
The Razorbacks have reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in four of the
five seasons since and made two Elite Eight appearances.
Up next
Arkansas: At Ole Miss on Wednesday.
Tennessee: Hosts Texas on Tuesday.
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