Darius Acuff Jr. Shatters Arkansas Records in Stunning Solo Showdown Against Alabama—But Why Didn’t It Lead to Victory?

Some nights, a single player’s brilliance shines so brightly, it nearly tips the scales. Darius Acuff Jr. delivered such a performance on February 18th—a jaw-dropping 49-point spectacle that not only marked one of the finest outings of the 2025-26 college basketball season but also carved his name deeper into Arkansas men’s basketball lore. Yet, despite Acuff’s relentless firepower and heroic effort across 50 grueling minutes, the Razorbacks fell agonizingly short, bowing 117-115 in a double-overtime thriller to Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. It’s one of those heartbreaker games that reminds you—basketball’s as much about heart as it is hustle. The sheer determination Acuff showed, hitting clutch shots to force overtime, was nothing short of spectacular, setting SEC play records and challenging the all-time greats. While the scoreboard didn’t favor Arkansas this time, Acuff’s historic night is one for the ages—etched forever in Razorbacks history and the season’s highlight reel. LEARN MORE

Darius Acuff Jr. turned in one of the best performances of the 2025-26 college basketball season — and in Arkansas men’s basketball history.

However, that was not enough for Razorbacks, who lost 117-115 to Alabama in double overtime at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

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Acuff scored 49 points on 16-of-27 shooting from the field for the Razorbacks, marking the second-most points scored in a game this season. Only Radford’s Dennis Parker Jr., who scored 53 points on a 19-of-24 shooting performance on Dec. 14, 2025, against Coppin State, has topped Acuff’s single-game scoring output this season.

The points are the most by an Arkansas player in SEC play.

Acuff, who played all 50 minutes in the game, scored 22 points in the first half for Arkansas. He then followed it up with 19 points in the second half, including a 3-pointer that sent the game to overtime with 11 seconds left in regulation. He scored eight more points in the second overtime period, including three free throws to give the Razorbacks a 113-112 lead with 1:31 left in the game.

Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard also scored 46 points in a 91-85 win for the Bulldogs over Auburn on Feb. 18.

Here’s a look at Acuff’s full stats against Alabama on Wednesday:

Darius Acuff Jr. points today

Here’s Acuff’s full stat line from Wednesday’s double overtime loss to the Crimson Tide:

Points: 49
Shooting: 16-for-27 (59.3%)
3-point shooting: 6-for-10 (60%)
Free throw shooting: 11-for-12 (91.6%)
Rebounds: 5
Assists: 5
Steals: 1
Blocks: 1
Turnovers: 1

Highest scorers NCAA in 2025-26 basketball season

Here’s a look at the top 10 scoring performances in the NCAA during the 2025-26 college basketball season.

1. Dennis Parker Jr., Radford: 53 points (Dec. 14, 2025)
2. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas: 49 points (Feb. 18)
T-3. Dominique Daniels, Jr., California Baptist: 47 points (Jan. 24)
T-3. Javontae Campbell, Bowling Green: 47 points (Jan. 3)
T-3. Paul McNeil, NC State: 47 points (Dec. 17, 2025)
T-6. Josh Hubbard, Arkansas: 46 points (Feb. 18)
T-6. Dontae Horne, Prairie View A&M: 46 points (Feb. 14)
T-6. Keaton Wagler, Illinois: 46 points (Jan. 24)
8. Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville: 45 points (Feb. 9)
9. Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana: 44 points (Dec. 9, 2025)
T-10. A.J. Dybantsa, BYU: 43 points (Jan. 24)
T-10. David Coit, Maryland: 43 points (Jan. 18)
T-10. Michael Eley, Hampton: 43 points (Jan. 8)

Most points scored in an Arkansas game

Acuff made history on Feb. 18 with not only the highest scoring output of any Arkansas freshman ever, but also the second-most points in a single game in Razorbacks history.

According to Arkansas’ record book, Acuff’s 49-point outburst trails only Rotnei Clark’s 51-point performance vs. Alcorn State on Nov. 13, 2009. His 49 points are also the most by an SEC player since Clark’s 51-point game, according to the SEC basketball media guide.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Darius Acuff Jr. points today: How Arkansas star fared in loss to Alabama