Arkansas Razorbacks Storm Back To Beat Texas Tech Red Raiders In Top 25 Showdown
There is a very specific, lingering type of heartburn that comes from a Sweet 16 exit. For Arkansas fans, the memory of last season’s tournament run ending at the hands of Texas Tech was a bitter pill to swallow. But if sports has taught us anything, it’s that the calendar eventually flips, and with a new season comes the opportunity for a little payback.
On Saturday, the Hogs didn’t just win; they exorcised some demons. In what might be the signature win of the young season so far, Arkansas rallied to down No. 16 Texas Tech 93-86. It wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard; it was a statement that this squad has the grit to hang with the big dogs.
How Arkansas Flipped the Script
For the first 15 minutes, this looked like a rerun of a bad movie. Grant McCasland’s Texas Tech squad came out swinging, putting the Hogs in a 10-point hole early. The offense looked disjointed, and the energy was flat. In previous years, maybe that deficit balloons to 20.
But this Arkansas team found a different gear. The second half was nothing short of an offensive clinic. We are talking about 50 points in the final 20 minutes. You don’t see that every day against a ranked opponent. They outscored the Red Raiders 50-37 after the break, turning a potential blowout loss into a resume-building victory.
The Resurrection Of Trevon Brazile
If you’re looking for the catalyst, look no further than Trevon Brazile. This wasn’t just a “good game”; this was a takeover. The senior forward posted a monster double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Head Coach John Calipari, never one to shy away from hyping his guys, put it best on the ESPN broadcast. “You’re looking at a different Trevon Brazile,” Calipari said. “He’s one of the best players in the country, he impacts the game in so many ways.”
When Brazile is playing with that kind of motor, Arkansas becomes a nightmare matchup. He was the anchor they desperately needed when things got rocky in the first half.
The Kids Are Alright
While Brazile was the headline, he didn’t have to carry the load alone. The narrative that freshmen can’t contribute in big games? Darius Acuff and Karter Knox would like a word.
Both young guns dropped 20 points apiece, giving Arkansas three separate 20-point scorers. That is a terrifying balance for opposing defenses. Acuff was dealing, adding 8 assists to his stat line, proving he can facilitate just as well as he can score. Meanwhile, Knox brought the intensity on the other end of the floor. His defensive effort in the second half, highlighted by 2 steals and 2 blocks, was the spark that ignited the comeback.
What’s Next For the Hogs?
So, is it time to plan the parade? Not quite. The non-conference schedule is unforgiving, and a neutral court date with a powerhouse Houston team is looming next Saturday. That will be another massive test of this team’s maturity.
But for now, Arkansas faithful can rest easy. The ghost of the Sweet 16 has been busted, the offense is clicking, and Coach Cal has his team playing with a chip on their shoulder. If they can bottle up that second-half energy, this is going to be a very fun winter in Fayetteville.
