Arkansas
Auburn makes history at Arkansas with SEC-opening win
about an hour ago
Auburn Athletics
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – Known as one of the more hostile environments in the SEC, Bud Walton Arena was quiet for most of the day Saturday as No. 25 Auburn throttled Arkansas 83-51 on the road to secure a win in the SEC opener.
Auburn’s 32-point win was the largest for a visitor in Bud Walton Arena history.
“I didn’t know that, but now you made (the win) way better,” Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara said after the game. “It was really exciting, especially the way we just played and were clicking together. It was special to us.”
“That history does matter,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “Doing it at a place like this or if you could do it at Rupp (Kentucky) or if you could do it at Tennessee, it does mean more because those are some of the toughest places in the SEC to play.”
The Tigers outrebounded Arkansas 46-32. They had 48 points in the paint to just 18 for Arkansas. Their bench outscored the Arkansas bench 46-9. Defensively, they held the Razorbacks to 31 percent shooting and just 11 2-point field goals.
“We played really well,” Pearl said. “We got off to a rough start and you could see the moment almost got the best of us at the beginning. Arkansas is a talented team. We didn’t play very well early. They made some shots early. And it could have gotten away from us right there. But the second group of Tre Donaldson, K.D. Johnson, Chad Baker-Mazara, Dylan (Cardwell) – they really settled us down.
“From that point forward, we just played great basketball.”
Baker-Mazara specifically had the hot hand for Auburn in the first half. Playing in his first SEC game, the junior college transfer scored seven straight points early. Later in the first half, he was part of a 7-0 Auburn run with a left-handed lay-up through traffic and a 3-pointer in transition. He scored 14 of his team-high 16 points in the first half.
“My whole life I’ve been dreaming about playing this game,” said Baker-Mazara, who matched his season high in scoring. “I’ve always heard people say, ‘You might be too skinny to play.’ Or ‘He might not be physical enough.’ I’m just trying to prove to people that they’re wrong. It’s all about your heart and how bad you really want it.”
Leading 37-30 at the intermission, the Tigers put their foot down in the beginning of the second half and went on a 13-2 run in the first six minutes to open up a 50-32 lead.
Big man Johni Broome took over during that stretch scoring eight of Auburn’s 13 points on the run. The Razorbacks had no answer for Broome in the second half. He scored 14 points on 7 of 9 shooting after being held scoreless in the first half.
“Johni had a great second half,” Pearl said. “He was dominant offensively. But he didn’t start well, he didn’t play well (early). We’re going to go as far as Johni Broome takes us. But the great thing about maybe being on a great team is you’ve got other guys you can count on.”
It was the 12th game in double figures this season for Broome who also pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and added three assists, two blocks and two steals.
Tre Donaldson and Jaylin Williams also scored in double figures for the Tigers on Saturday with 11 points each. Donaldson capped that 7-0 run right before the half with a reverse layup and finished with the best plus-minus (+31) of anybody on the team. He set a new career high with seven rebounds and led the team with four assists.
With the win, Auburn now has six wins at Arkansas all-time with three of those six wins coming under Pearl. More importantly, the Tigers are 1-0 to start SEC play.
Auburn (12-2, 1-0) will return home next week for back-to-back SEC games against Texas A&M and LSU in Neville Arena. First up are the Aggies on Tuesday night.
ARKANSAS POSTGAME NOTES
» Auburn is 42-49 in SEC openers all-time, including 6-4 under head coach Bruce Pearl. The Tigers have won their last three conference openers. Auburn is 14-30 when opening SEC play on the road. Saturday’s victory was the Tigers’ first win in five SEC openers against Arkansas.
» Auburn is 22-38 against Arkansas all-time. Saturday’s victory was Auburn’s third win at Arkansas under head coach Bruce Pearl. That is half of the Tigers’ six wins in 28 games at Arkansas all-time.
» The 32-point win was the largest defeat Arkansas has ever suffered in Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks’ previous worst loss in the arena was a 30-point loss to Florida in 2012. It was also the Tigers’ largest win in the 60-game series, topping Auburn’s 101-76 victory in Auburn in 1996. Auburn’s previous largest win at Arkansas was a 73-51 victory in 2009. It was the Tigers’ largest SEC win since defeating Missouri 89-56 at Neville Arena last season.
» Auburn improved to 12-2 on the season and extended its winning streak to seven games, which is the Tigers’ longest winning streak since winning the first eight games of last season. Auburn has won all seven games by at least 16 points, winning those games by an average of 25.1 points.
» Auburn had the same starting lineup of Aden Holloway, Denver Jones, Jaylin Williams, Johni Broome and Chris Moore for the ninth straight game. That group is 10-1 as a starting unit this season. Williams and Moore remain the only Tigers to start every game this season.
» Auburn held Arkansas to 51 points, which is the fewest points the Razorbacks have scored in five seasons under head coach Eric Musselman. It was Arkansas’ fewest points since Florida held the Razorbacks to 50 points in the 2019 SEC Tournament. Arkansas’ previous season low was 69 points vs. Lipscomb.
» Auburn committed only seven turnovers in its win at Arkansas. It is the Tigers’ seventh game this season with single-digit turnovers, all in the last nine games.
» Auburn has held a halftime lead in all but one game this season, including today when the Tigers took a 37-30 advantage into intermission. Auburn is 12-1 when leading at halftime on the season.
» Auburn outscored Arkansas 46-21 in the second half. The plus-25 scoring margin is the Tigers’ best in the second half this season. In the second half, Auburn 57.6 percent (19-of-33) from the floor, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, while holding Arkansas to 22.2 percent shooting (6-of-27). The Tigers also outrebounded Arkansas 21-14 and committed only two turnovers after halftime.
» Auburn scored 46 bench points in its win at Arkansas, including 16 points from Chad Baker-Mazara and 11 from Tre Donaldson. It is the sixth time this season the Tigers’ reserves have scored at least 40 points in a game.
» Auburn’s 48 points in the paint are the third-most the Tigers have scored this season and are just four off the Tigers’ season-high 52 paint points against Chattanooga.
» Chad Baker-Mazara recorded his seventh game in double figures this season, including three straight, with a season-high-tying 16 points on 5-of-9 field goals, 2-of-3 from long range and 4-of-4 from the foul line at Arkansas. Baker-Mazara added four rebounds and three assists in the victory.
» Johni Broome scored all 14 of his points in Saturday’s game in the second half. Broome finished 7-of-13 from the floor, and he added eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals on the afternoon. It is his 95th career game in double figures, including his 12th this season and fifth straight. He has 24 blocks over his last nine games.
» Tre Donaldson added 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the floor, including making his only 3-point attempt on the day. He tied his career high with seven rebounds and had four assists and only one turnover. It is Donaldson’s fifth game in double figures this season and the seventh of his career but his first against an SEC opponent.
» Jaylin Williams scored 11 points on 5-of-9 field goals, including one 3-pointer, to go with three rebounds and one assist. It is Williams’ 50th career game in double figures, including eight this season and five in the last seven games.
Arkansas
Arkansas basketball stars Meleek Thomas, Trevon Brazile selected in NBA Draft second round | Whole Hog Sports
Arkansas
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Likely his biggest accomplishment was becoming the first player to lead the SEC in points and assists since Pete Maravich in 1970.
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.
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.
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.
“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.]
“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.’”
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.
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.
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.
The second-year Razorbacks coach told the world Tuesday night that the Kings will be getting a “fierce competitor and winner” in Acuff.
With NBA Lottery pick and Sacramento Kings Guard Darius Acuff Jr!!! Congratulations to the entire family! The Kings are getting a fierce competitor and winner https://t.co/pk7T9H8e8b
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) June 24, 2026
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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