Arkansas
SAN JOSE, Calif. (03/25/2026) — The Arkansas Razorbacks' season came to a close on Wednesday as they fell to an offensively overwhelming Arizona Wildcats squad, 109-88, at the SAP Center.
Arizona delivered a staggering shooting performance, hitting 64% from the field and an incandescent 63% from three-point range. Despite a game-high 28 points from Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., the Razorbacks could not keep pace with the Wildcats' relentless and efficient attack.
How It Happened
Arizona established control from the opening tip and never relinquished it. The game was tied only once in the opening moments before the Wildcats seized a lead they would hold for the remainder of the contest. Brayden Burries opened the scoring with a driving layup at the 19:42 mark, and a Koa Peat dunk followed by another Burries basket—this time a 24-foot three-pointer—pushed the Arizona lead to 9-4 just under three minutes into the game.
Arkansas fought to stay within striking distance. A tip-in dunk from Malique Ewin and a three-pointer from Darius Acuff Jr. cut the deficit to 14-11 with 14:34 left in the first half. However, every Razorback push was met with a decisive answer. Arizona methodically built its advantage, with a dunk from Tobe Awaka at the 3:46 mark extending the margin to 15 points at 46-31. The Wildcats entered halftime with a commanding 54-43 lead.
The second half offered little reprieve for the Razorbacks. Arizona opened with a layup and a dunk from Koa Peat, immediately re-establishing a 15-point cushion. The Wildcats' precise offense continued to hum, with four different players scoring in double figures. The lead ballooned to 19 points when Burries connected on another three-pointer with 14:34 to play, making the score 74-55.
While Arkansas continued to battle, with Billy Richmond III and Trevon Brazile connecting on three-pointers, the offensive onslaught from Arizona was simply too much to overcome.
Turning Point
The game was definitively broken open by an 8-0 Arizona run midway through the second half. After a Trevon Brazile three-pointer brought Arkansas within 16 at 81-65, the Wildcats responded with overwhelming force. The run, which spanned less than two minutes of game time, culminated in a 23-foot three-pointer from Anthony Dell'Orso at the 9:04 mark that pushed the lead to a game-high 22 points at 87-65. This sequence extinguished any lingering hopes of a Razorback comeback and cemented Arizona's control.
Star of the Game
While Arizona's victory was a balanced team effort, guard Brayden Burries was a primary catalyst. He finished with a team-high 23 points, adding 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Burries was a consistent threat from all levels, hitting key shots in both halves that helped build and sustain the Wildcats' substantial lead.
For the Arkansas Razorbacks, Darius Acuff Jr. delivered a valiant performance in the loss. The guard poured in 28 points on an efficient shooting night and added 3 rebounds and 3 assists, leading all scorers and keeping the Razorbacks' offense afloat against the tide of Arizona's scoring.
What It Means
The loss marks the end of the season for the Arkansas Razorbacks. The team showed offensive fight, with four players scoring at least eight points, but could not produce the necessary defensive stops against an elite shooting opponent. The game provides a tough conclusion to a season of hard-fought competition in the SEC.
For the Arizona Wildcats, the dominant offensive display underscores their potential as a formidable force. Their ability to score efficiently from both inside and beyond the arc, combined with balanced contributions from multiple players, makes them an exceptionally difficult team to defend. This victory serves as a powerful statement as they advance.