Persisting problems doom John Calipari, Arkansas basketball’s upset bid vs Duke

CHICAGO — Persisting problems plagued Arkansas basketball in its second marquee matchup of the 2025-26 season.

The No. 21 Razorbacks (5-2) led by seven points with 10 minutes remaining, but No. 4 Duke (7-0) rallied for an 80-71 victory behind 35 points from Cameron Boozer. Arkansas had a chance at snagging a resume-building win, but in a similar fashion to their loss at Michigan State, the Hogs failed to execute down the stretch.

Against the Spartans, Arkansas scored three points in the final 3:57. A similar drought doomed the Razorbacks on Thanksgiving as the Hogs made two field goals across the last six minutes. Duke closed its win on a 19-7 run.

“We just got to figure out how to finish games collectively. Be connected,” coach John Calipari said.

The final two baskets for Arkansas came from Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas. The two freshmen once again led the Hogs on offense. Acuff scored 21, and Thomas chipped in 13.

According to Duke coach Jon Scheyer, limiting Arkansas’ young backcourt unlocked Duke’s defense down the stretch.

“Guarding the ball with Caleb (Foster) on Acuff,” Scheyer said. “I thought Nick Khamenia had some great moments with Thomas. I thought it started with guarding the ball. I thought our switches were tight with all these guys, and then just you try to make them score over the top, knowing they may hit a couple.”

But Arkansas’ problems extend beyond bouts of poor offense from its dynamic freshmen. Those two are consistent scorers. The same can’t be said for the rest of the roster.

Trevon Brazile had a strong night with 11 points and 11 rebounds, but Karter Knox and D.J. Wagner combined for just five points. It was the second dud against a ranked opponent for Knox, who was scoreless against Michigan State.

He and Wagner were supposed to be two of Arkansas’ best players this season. Neither is averaging more than eight points.

The duo combined to play just 14 minutes in the second half. Calipari rode Acuff at point guard and gave Billy Richmond III 13 minutes at the wing. The coach liked Richmond’s hustle on the glass, but the sophomore finished with five turnovers.

After the game, Calipari didn’t dish out much concern with the pieces surrounding his five-star freshmen.

“The other guys had it going, and that’s why D.J. didn’t play as much, but I know who DJ is as a player. I respect him and love him as a player,” Calipari said.

“Love coaching them, but look, when you’re coaching sometimes, the way the game goes, somebody plays more and somebody plays less. Next game may be somebody else. Maybe Karter plays more and Billy plays less, but we had a chance to win.”

If the Razorbacks want to capitalize on these chances, they must get more consistent production from up and down the roster.

There won’t be a shortage of opportunities. The Hogs face No. 4 Louisville, No. 2 Houston and No. 20 Texas Tech in the next four weeks. The Cardinals come to Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday.

Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.