Arkansas downs Louisville in ACC/SEC challenge

Arkansas downs Louisville as Trevon Brazile got off to a hot start, scoring 12 of the Razorback’s first 19 points, and freshman Darius Acuff Jr. recorded a double-double, while scoring nine of the Hogs’ last 15, to lead #25 Arkansas to an 89-80 victory over #6 Louisville Wednesday night at Bud Walton Arena in the third annual basketball ACC/SEC Challenge. 

Final Stats     

Arkansas improves to 3-0 in the ACC/SEC Challenge with a home win over then #7 Duke in 2023 and a road win at Miami (Fla.) last season. 

The Razorbacks, which never trailed, were up 18 at the break, but Louisville got hot from 3-point range and trimmed its deficit to five on three occasions in the second half – the last coming 81-76 with 2:48 left. Brazile answered with an alley-oop dunk. Then, Acuff made a layup and Malique Ewin hit two free throws for a 6-0 run to put the Hogs up 11 and seal the win. 

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Overall, Arkansas had five players score in double figures and made 27-of-35 free throws, compared to 14-of-18 shooting at the line by Louisville. Arkansas also out-rebounded Louisville, 46-35, despite the Cardinals’ coming into the game ranking fifth in the NCAA in rebounds (46.0) and 15th in rebound margin (+12.7). 

Another storyline in favor of the Razorbacks, Louisville entered the game second in the NCAA in 3-pointers made per game (13.1), but the Razorbacks kept the Cards to just 8-of-37 shooting from deep. 

Brazile finished with 21 points (17 in the first half) and five rebounds and Acuff had 17 points (11 in the second half) and 10 assists. Meleek Thomas also scored 17 points. Malique Ewin added 12 points (6-of-8 FT) and nine rebounds – seven offensive – while Billy Richmond III scored 10 points. 

Louisville was led by Mikel Brown Jr. with 22 points (16 in the second half). Ryan Conwell added 15 points, Sananda Fru scored 14 and Isaac McKinney scored 11. 

Up next, Arkansas makes its annual trip to North Little Rock and will face Fresno State on Saturday. Tipoff at Simmons Bank Arena is set for 3 p.m.