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Arkansas Downed by No. 10/9 LSU

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Arkansas Downed by No. 10/9 LSU


BATON ROUGE, La. – Arkansas women’s basketball (14-6, 2-3 SEC) fell to No. 10/9 LSU (18-2, 5-1 SEC) on Sunday, 99-68, as the defending NCAA National Champions won the game in wire-to-wire fashion. Samara Spencer led the Hogs with 20 points, her fifth 20-piece of the year, along with seven assists and three steals.

LSU jumped ahead to an early 9-0 lead just 2:19 into the game, forcing Arkansas to take an early timeout. Arkansas continued to struggle out of the timeout, as LSU led 18-0 with 4:15 left in the first quarter. Maryam Dauda then knocked down the Hogs’ first field goal after over six minutes off a 3-pointer. Dauda would then make another one, which brought some life to the Hogs’ offense, as Arkansas was able to outscore the Tigers 16-7 in the final four minutes of the quarter. Off a miss, Spencer knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 10, but LSU responded with a jumper. Carly Keats then made Arkansas’ fourth 3-pointer of the game, as the Hogs trailed 25-16 in the first quarter.

LSU scored the first three baskets of the second quarter, including two 3-pointers to go ahead 33-16 just two minutes into the frame. Dauda then got the Hogs out of a scoreless stretch, as Spencer found Dauda for a layup. LSU then went on a 7-0 run, as Arkansas trailed 42-20 with 5:14 left in the half. Makayla Daniels buried a 3-pointer, her first score of the game, as the Hogs trailed, 42-23, at the media timeout taken at the 4:44 mark. Arkansas went cold, going 1-of-7 from the field, as LSU went on a 6-0 run. Karley Johnson and Spencer got layups, but LSU ended the half on a 5-0 run. Arkansas was outscored 30-12 in the second quarter to trail 55-28 at the half.

Spencer got the Hogs on the board first in the second half with two free throws and then knocked down a triple. LSU extended the lead back to 27 after having an answer to both of those possessions by the Hogs, but Dauda and Keats knocked down back-to-back triples. The Tigers then went on an 8-2 run, as Arkansas found itself down by 27, 68-41, with 4:53 left in the third quarter. Spencer knocked down a 3-pointer and then Dauda got to the line to make two free throws, but LSU had an answer on each of those possessions from Arkansas. LSU finished out the quarter on an 8-0 run, as Arkansas trailed, 80-50, at the end of the third quarter.

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LSU extended its run to a 10-0 run with a jumper to begin the fourth quarter. Daniels would answer with a 3-pointer and deliver Arkansas’ first eight points of the quarter. The Tigers would not slow down, going 3-of-3 from the field. Jenna Lawrence logged the 11th of Arkansas’ 12 3-pointers in the game, but LSU had an answer with a layup. At the media timeout taken at the 4:46 mark, Arkansas trailed, 93-61. Arkansas outscored LSU 7-5 in the final five minutes of the game. The Hogs fell, 99-68.

HOG HIGHLIGHTS

  • Spencer led the Hogs in scoring for the second straight game behind 20 points, shooting 7-of-8 from the free throw line. She matched a season-high seven assists and added three steals
  • Dauda logged 16 points, four rebounds and four blocks. She attempted a career-high 11 3-pointers, making four on the night, which also marked a new career-high
  • Daniels registered 13 points and six rebounds. She shot 5-of-5 from the line
  • Keats recorded eight points and four boards
  • Poffenbarger surpassed 500 career rebounds, needing just one in the game to do so. She is the 32nd member of the 500-rebound club at Arkansas. Poffenbarger also logged three blocks, limited to 15 minutes on the court
  • Johnson scored a career-high six points, shooting 2-of-6 from the field, 2-of-2 from the line
  • The Hogs made 12 3-pointers and shot a program record 47 3-pointers
  • All nine available players saw time on the court

UP NEXT

The Razorbacks will return to Bud Walton Arena for the first time in two weeks to host Kentucky on Thursday, Jan. 25. Arkansas will play Kentucky for the second of two times during the regular season at 7 p.m. on SECN+. 

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about Arkansas Women’s Basketball, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @RazorbackWBB and on Facebook at Facebook.com/RazorbackWBB. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel, “Kickin’ It In The Neighborhood” for an inside look at the Razorback women’s basketball program and check out The Neighborhood podcasts at CoachNeighbors.com.

 



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Arkansas basketball stars Meleek Thomas, Trevon Brazile selected in NBA Draft second round | Whole Hog Sports

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Arkansas basketball stars Meleek Thomas, Trevon Brazile selected in NBA Draft second round | Whole Hog Sports





Arkansas basketball stars Meleek Thomas, Trevon Brazile selected in NBA Draft second round | Whole Hog Sports







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Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights

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Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights


FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics has signed a long-term partnership with CommunityAmerica Credit Union, marking a significant step in the credit union’s growing commitment to Northwest Arkansas. Facilitated by Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will become CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium beginning with the 2027 football season.

Rooted in more than 85 years of helping individuals and families achieve financial peace of mind and building on a 65-year legacy of service in Arkansas, CommunityAmerica is excited to engage with Razorback fans and support the communities they call home.

“This is so much more than a name on a stadium. It’s about becoming part of the Razorback Nation experience and helping fans, students, student-athletes and the communities we and the university serve,” said Lisa Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do and when we evaluate partnerships like this, it starts with what matters most to them. The University of Arkansas is a powerful source of pride and connection for people across the state and in many of our markets. This partnership underscores our long-term commitment to Northwest Arkansas, where we look forward to growing our presence and helping more families achieve financial peace of mind. We’re already deepening our roots with plans for a campus location and several new branches throughout the region.”

The multi-phased partnership extends beyond naming rights and designates CommunityAmerica as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics. CommunityAmerica will also serve as an official sponsor of Arkansas Athletics, supporting student-athletes and fans alike. The comprehensive partnership will also include the rebranding of the SEC Club inside Razorback Stadium as the CommunityAmerica Club, where fans enjoy premium amenities on gameday. As part of the agreement, CommunityAmerica will engage directly with Razorback student-athletes providing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, valuable financial education and programs to help them succeed both on and off the field.

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“We are thrilled to welcome CommunityAmerica Credit Union as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics as one piece of a partnership that will benefit our student-athletes, fans and the state of Arkansas for years to come,” said Hunter Yurachek, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas. “Our vision in the Department of Athletics is to be our best and CommunityAmerica’s commitment to excellence as a trusted, people-driven financial institution mirrors that same vision. This partnership is just getting started but its impact will help shape our future.”
Beginning with the 2027 football season, the partnership will expand into its second phase with the naming of CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium and the launch of CommunityAmerica Razorback Checking, Debit and Credit Cards.

With a legacy of serving members across Arkansas and nationwide, CommunityAmerica is ranked among the most trusted and innovative credit unions in the country and among the largest in the Midwest. CommunityAmerica is excited to engage and serve Razorback fans and members more deeply with a variety of financial products and services that align to their passion for the University.

“Our members are proud of where they live and what they stand behind, and for so many in Arkansas and across our shared communities, that means being part of Razorback Nation,” Ginter said. “As we look ahead to launching Razorback-branded products in 2027, we’re excited to offer experiences that celebrate that pride, strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.”

“This is a historic partnership featuring an innovative brand with a passion and proven track record of supporting their community, paired with one of the leading college athletics programs in the country,” said Allison Fillmore, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Learfield. “Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties are excited to collaborate with Arkansas Athletics, which will enhance fan and student-athlete experiences for years to come.”

Razorback Sports Properties is the locally based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Arkansas Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Razorbacks.

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About the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics pursues its vision to “Be Our Best” while developing 465+ student-athletes into Razorbacks and Champions for Life. As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Razorbacks consistently compete at the nation’s highest levels while proudly representing the University of Arkansas and the entire state. Arkansas has established itself as one of the most competitive programs in the nation, winning nine NCAA titles and over 50 SEC Championships in recent years.

About CommunityAmerica Credit Union
CommunityAmerica Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution committed to helping members get on a path to thrive and achieve financial peace of mind. Founded in 1940, and with Arkansas roots dating back to 1968, CommunityAmerica has grown to meet the evolving financial needs of its members. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members, the credit union is ranked among the nation’s 50 largest credit unions. It is the largest credit union in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, and one of the largest financial institutions with expanding operations in Northwest Arkansas. CommunityAmerica offers a full suite of financial products and services for individuals and businesses, including checking and savings, mortgages, loans, commercial banking, wealth management, retirement planning, and insurance. Federally chartered, CommunityAmerica serves members across multiple markets nationwide with branch locations in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. Learn more at CommunityAmerica.com.

About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.



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Razorbacks’ Guard Darius Acuff Selected No. Overall in 2026 NBA Draft

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Razorbacks’ Guard Darius Acuff Selected No.  Overall in 2026 NBA Draft


BROOKLYN — Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff is the first of three Razorbacks off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft Tuesday night when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round.

Acuff’s selection makes him the highest drafted player from Arkansas since 2023 when Anthony Black went No. 6 overall to the Orlando Magic.

He went into the night projected to be the first player from the Hogs taken following a phenomenal freshman year that saw him earn first team All-American honors, SEC Player of the Year, league freshman of the year, and SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player.

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Likely his biggest accomplishment was becoming the first player to lead the SEC in points and assists since Pete Maravich in 1970.

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Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) reacts after a basket during the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum. | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

As a freshman, Acuff averaged over 24 points, six assists and three rebounds on 48% shooting from the field, 44% from three and 81% from free throw line.

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His knack as a bucket getter and facilitator lifted the Razorbacks to a different level in the postseason by averaging an astonishing 30 points, seven assists and one steal across six postseason tournament games.

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He led Arkansas to a victory over Vanderbilt for the SEC Tournament Championship and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.

Arguably his best performance of the season came in a double-overtime classic in Tuscaloosa against Alabama when he dropped 49 points on 16-of-27 from the floor, 6-of-10 from three and 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also contributed with five rebounds, five assists and only one turnover in 50 minutes.

And don’t forget, the 6-foot-2, 186 pound point guard did all of that on a bum ankle he sustained against Aubrn just four days prior.

During a media appearance on ESPN last week, Calipari made sure to warn NBA teams they will regret passing on superstar point guard.

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“A great teammate. We all hear stuff. I’m around these kids, all they want to do is get better. They want to respect who’s coaching them,” Calipari told Colin Cowherd on The Herd. “And Darius Acuff, I’m telling you, there’s going to be some guys regretting [not picking him.]

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Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari talks with guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) during a time out against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

“That’s okay. That’s okay. When he starts playing, you’ll remember this conversation, and we’re saying, ‘You’re going to regret not taking him.’”

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Acuff is the latest in a growing list of coach John Calipari guards to be selected as lottery picks across his four decades in the college game. Former Kentucky stars Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De’Aaron Fox and Brandon Knight.

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During his time at Memphis, Calipari helped Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and Dajuan Wagner were each lotter picks from 2000-2009.

The 2026 NBA Draft will continue with its second round Wednesday night at 7 p.m. CT from the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

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Coach Cal Reaction

There haven’t been many times over the years that Calipari has missed out on watching one of his stars stroll across the stage to shake hands with the NBA Commissioner.

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The second-year Razorbacks coach told the world Tuesday night that the Kings will be getting a “fierce competitor and winner” in Acuff.

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Being drafted by Sacramento shouldn’t come as a surprise either as most mock drafts pegged him at No. 7 overall since the beginning of the college basketball offseason. With so many connections to the franchise, the Kings’ organization might be the perfect fit after all as General manager Scott Perry coached his father two decades ago at Eastern Kentucky.

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