### Arkansas Razorbacks Triumph Over Tennessee in SEC Opener The No. 18 Arkansas Razorbacks kicked off their Southeastern Conference (SEC) play with a significant victory against No. 19 Tennessee, winning 86-75 at Bud Walton Arena. Freshman Darius Acuff Jr. was the standout performer, scoring a career-high 29 points, which included crucial plays in the final minutes of the game. This win marks a notable turnaround for Arkansas, as it ended a four-season streak of losing their SEC opener, showcasing the team's potential as they navigate through the conference season [https://www.ktlo.com/2026/01/04/acuffs-career-night-lifts-no-18-arkansas-past-no-19-tennessee, https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2026/jan/03/arkansas-beats-tennessee-in-sec-opener]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Player Performance**: - Darius Acuff Jr. led the scoring with 29 points, shooting 9-of-16 from the field and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. - Meleek Thomas contributed significantly with 18 points, helping to solidify the backcourt's performance. 2. **Game Dynamics**: - The Razorbacks established a strong lead in the second half, aided by a late-game run that put Tennessee away. - Arkansas's free-throw shooting was particularly effective, which played a crucial role in maintaining their lead. 3. **Historical Context**: - This victory is significant as it marks the first time Arkansas has won their SEC opener since the 2020-21 season, indicating a positive shift in the team's performance trajectory [https://www.citizentribune.com/sports/acuff-scores-29-points-to-lead-no-18-arkansas-to-a-86-75-win-over/article_6645f8b8-95f6-41b1-b938-07eff1d3c7a1.html, https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2026/jan/03/arkansas-basketball-score-tennessee-razorbacks-volunteers-vols-hogs-calipari-barnes-recap-box-score-summary]. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Scoring Breakdown**: - Darius Acuff Jr.: 29 points (9-of-16 FG, 3-of-6 3PT, 8-of-9 FT) - Meleek Thomas: 18 points (6-of-13 FG, 3-of-4 3PT, 3-of-3 FT) - **Team Performance**: - Arkansas shot 54.8% from the field overall. - The Razorbacks made 15 of 28 three-point attempts, showcasing their offensive efficiency [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/arkansas_freshmen_grew_up_fast_in_win_over_no_19_tennessee/s1_13132_43282806, https://www.kmjnow.com/2026/01/03/darius-acuff-jr-excels-as-no-18-arkansas-beats-no-19-tennessee]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Start for Arkansas In summary, the Arkansas Razorbacks' 86-75 victory over Tennessee serves as a promising start to their SEC campaign. The standout performances from freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas highlight the potential of this young team. 1. **Key Takeaway**: Darius Acuff Jr.'s career night was pivotal in securing the win. 2. **Team Dynamics**: The Razorbacks demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, particularly in free-throw shooting and three-point efficiency. 3. **Historical Significance**: This win breaks a losing streak in SEC openers, suggesting a turnaround for the program. Overall, Arkansas's performance sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season, as they look to build on this momentum [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/arkansas-razorbacks-men-basketball-kicks-222414634.html, https://www.si.com/college/arkansas/men-s-basketball/acuff-s-big-night-pushes-arkansas-past-tennessee-in-sec-opener].