Arkansas men's basketball point guard Darius Acuff is expected to miss the Razorbacks' regular-season finale against Missouri on Saturday, according to reports from ESPN and CBS Sports. The injury, which has kept Acuff in a walking boot since a prior game, has raised concerns about his availability for the matchup at Mizzou Arena. Acuff, a 6-foot-3 freshman, has been a standout performer for Arkansas this season, averaging 22.2 points and 6.4 assists per game. His efforts have earned him recognition as a top contender for SEC Freshman of the Year and a potential SEC Player of the Year. Despite his recent injury, he contributed significantly in the Razorbacks' 94-86 victory over Missouri on February 21, recording 20 points and 5 assists. The injury timeline began after a game on February 18, when Acuff scored 49 points in a double-overtime loss to Alabama. While the exact nature of his injury was not disclosed, the walking boot suggests a lingering issue. Coaches and analysts have praised his impact on the court, with Missouri's Dennis Gates comparing him to future NBA Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul. "This kid is like Chris Paul," Gates said, highlighting Acuff's talent and potential. Texas coach Sean Miller, who faced Acuff in a 105-85 loss on March 4, described the freshman as a generational player. "I have never seen a point guard better," Miller said, noting Acuff's ability to dominate games with a 28-point, 13-assist performance. His play has positioned him as a likely one-and-done prospect for the NBA Draft, with the June 25 deadline approaching. The Razorbacks, with a 22-8 record and 12-5 SEC mark, will look to secure a strong finish to their season without Acuff's leadership.#mizzou_arena #darius_acuff #arkansas_mens_basketball #sec_freshman_of_the_year #chris_paul
MBB Preview: Arkansas at Missouri; Coach Calipari 1 Win Shy of 900 The #20/19 Arkansas Razorbacks will face the Missouri Tigers in their regular-season finale on Friday, March 7, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. The game, set for 11 a.m. Central Time, will be broadcast on ESPN. Arkansas, with a 22-8 record and 12-5 mark in SEC play, seeks to secure a strong finish to the season, while Missouri, at 20-10 overall and 10-7 in the SEC, aims to make a statement in their home arena. The Razorbacks and Tigers previously met on February 21 in Bud Walton Arena, where Arkansas claimed a 94-86 victory. Billy Richmond III led the way with 21 points, while Darius Acuff Jr. contributed 20. The game was a tightly contested battle, with Arkansas taking control in the final minutes. After trailing by five points with 6:28 remaining, Arkansas’ Meleek Thomas made a crucial defensive play, grabbing back-to-back rebounds and converting a jumper in the lane followed by a three-pointer from the right wing to extend the lead. Missouri’s Mark Mitchell and Trent Pierce combined for 48 points, but Arkansas’ late surge proved decisive. This matchup marks the 66th meeting between the programs, with Arkansas holding a 37-28 all-time advantage. The Razorbacks have won 10 of the last 13 games between the teams, including the February 21 contest. Since Missouri joined the SEC in 2012-13, Arkansas has dominated the rivalry, posting an 18-10 record. However, Missouri holds a slight edge in games played in Columbia, with a 18-13 overall record and an 8-5 mark in SEC matchups. For Coach Calipari, the game carries special significance. With a win, he will reach 900 career victories, joining an elite group of coaches in NCAA Division I history.#arkansas_razorbacks #missouri_tigers #mizzou_arena #billy_richmond_iii #darius_acuff_jr
