Arkansas basketball finally broke through for its first SEC tournament title since 2000 with a win over Vanderbilt.
The Razorbacks defeated the Commodores 86-75 behind a 30-point double-double from freshman sensation Darius Acuff Jr. on Sunday, March 15, from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Acuff scored 18 of his 30 points in the second half, while also adding 11 assists to help the program win its second SEC title in program history.
After the Commodores pulled within two points at 74-72 with 3:40 left in the game, the Razorbacks closed the game on a 12-3 run, with forward Trevor Brazile contributing on both sides with his offense and defense to help them put the game away.
Brazlile finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Billy Richmond III added 18 points, and D.J. Wanger finished with 11 points off the bench.
Tyler Nickel and Duke Miles each finished with 19 points to lead the way for Vanderbilt. Tyler Tanner was limited to 3-of-15 shooting from the field in the loss.
USA TODAY Sports brought you updates from the men’s SEC tournament championship between Arkansas and Vanderbilt. Catch up here:
Arkansas picks up an 86-75 win over Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament championship game. It’s the first tournament title for the Razorbacks since 2000.
Darius Acuff Jr. had 30 points and 11 assists, as Arkansas turned a two-point lead into an 11-point lead with the help of a 12-0 run to take control of a close game.
Arkansas holds a slim 74-72 lead with 3:40 left in the game at the final media timeout. The Commodores are sticking around despite a 28-point performance from Razorback freshman star Darius Acuff Jr.
Vanderbilt has gone cold from the field, but is still hanging around down by 3 points at 64-61 with 7:39 left. The Commodores have not scored a field goal in 7:21 of game time and are 0 for their last 11 from the field.
Arkansas is on an 11-0 run, jumping ahead of Vanderbilt 60-55 with 10:58 remaining in the game, at the final media timeout.
Darius Acuff Jr. hit another 3-pointer and is up to 23 points. The Razorbacks are shooting 11-of-17 from 3-point range in the second half.
Darius Acuff is up to 20 points, and Arkansas has cut the Vanderbilt lead to 55-54 with 12:32 left in the game. Acuff has eigth points in seven minutes to open the second half.
Vanderbilt is doubling up Arkansas in scoring in the second half to open a 55-49 second half lead, forcing a timeout by Arkansas and a media timeout with 14:50 left in the game.
The Commodores have scored six straight points and are shooting 5-of-8 in the second half. Arkansas has not scored a basket in 2:48 of game time.
Darius Acuff hits a 3-pointer with time winding down in the first half to give Arkansas a 41-39 halftime lead. Acuff is up to 12 points, including two 3-pointers in the final minute of the half.
Billy Richmond has a game-high 14 points to lead the Razorbacks. Tyler Nickel leads the Commodores with 13 points, while Duke Miles has 12.
Billy Richmond III has half of Arkansas’ points as the Razorbacks hold a 24-17 lead with 7:53 left in the first at the final media timeout. Richmond is shooting 5-for-6 from the field, with two 3-pointers.
The guard entered play today, averaging 10.8 points per game.
Vanderbilt has gone cold from the field, shooting 1 for its last 9, allowing Arkansas to build a 15-11 lead at the second media timeout, with 11:35 left in the first half.
Billy Richmond III has seven points to lead the Razorbacks, while Trevon Brazile has six points and five rebounds.
At the first media timeout, Vanderbilt holds a 9-7 lead over Arkansas behind two big 3-point shots early on.
The Commodores have scored three points off turnovers already after dominating Florida in that department on Saturday.
Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff has been one of the best players in the country this season. He had a record-breaking performance against Alabama on Feb. 18.
Here’s a look at Acuff’s stats this season:2025-26: 22.7 points, 6.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 0.8 rebounds per game on 48.7% shooting, 43.7% 3-point shooting in 32 games
Vanderbilt
Arkansas
The SEC Championship will air nationally on ESPN. Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a valid cable login) and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
The SEC Championship is scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. ET (noon CT) from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday, March 15.
Odds from BetMGM as of Sunday, March 15.
Arkansas and Vanderbilt are both playing good basketball entering the SEC championship game, but the Razorbacks ultimately have the edge with Acuff Jr. being easily the best player on the court. – Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Sports.
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