Hogs showcase depth, balance, and resilience in bounce-back victory

The Arkansas Razorbacks delivered a much-needed response Saturday night, knocking off Missouri Tigers 94–86 in a game that tested their depth, focus, and resolve.

Missouri controlled much of the first half, attacking the paint and capitalizing on open looks. The Tigers were led by Mark Mitchell, who finished with 26 points and eight assists, and Trent Pierce, who added 22 points. Arkansas also faced early adversity when Darius Acuff Jr. exited in the first half, leaving the Hogs playing from behind.

Rather than folding, Arkansas leaned on its depth.

Meleek Thomas pointed to that stretch as a turning point, noting that the Hogs were able to seize the lead by halftime even without Acuff Jr. on the floor—a sign of a roster that’s grown more connected and confident.

The second half belonged to Arkansas.

Five Razorbacks scored in double figures, overwhelming Missouri with pace, spacing, and ball movement. Billy Richmond led the way with 21 points, followed closely by Acuff Jr.’s 20. Malique Ewin posted 16 points and eight rebounds, Thomas added 14 points and eight boards, and Trevon Brazile chipped in 12 points and six assists.

Each contributor impacted the game differently. Acuff Jr. controlled tempo and created offense. Thomas attacked aggressively from deep and stretched the defense. Ewin ran the floor, punished Missouri in transition, and cleaned the glass. Brazile filled gaps—moving the ball, finishing efficiently, and making the right play when it mattered most.

Despite the offensive explosion, Arkansas still has areas to clean up. The Hogs surrendered 48 points in the paint, continuing a season-long trend that could become costly in tournament play. While Arkansas’ offensive ceiling allows them to compete with anyone, interior defense remains the swing factor between surviving and advancing in March.

Still, the response mattered.

Head coach John Calipari highlighted his team’s mental toughness after the loss to Alabama, noting that Arkansas had limited practice time yet still found a way to win. The ability to reset quickly, Calipari said, shows a team that isn’t rattled by adversity.

With four games remaining, the margin for error is slim. Arkansas’ next test comes against Texas A&M Aggies, another physical opponent that will challenge the Hogs on both ends. Preparation, Calipari emphasized, will determine whether this team builds momentum—or lets it slip.

Saturday night, Arkansas sent a clear message: this group has depth, firepower, and resolve. The next few games will decide how far that combination can take them.