Hoop Hogs Take Down Central Arkansas

The Hoop Hogs bounced back in dominant fashion, defeating Central Arkansas 93-56 on Saturday night at Bud Walton Arena. Five Razorbacks scored in double figures as Arkansas cruised past the Bears to improve to 2-1 on the season.

Game Summary

Arkansas set the tone early behind sophomore forward Karter Knox, who got the scoring started with a three-pointer in the opening minute. Knox carried the offensive load throughout the first half, finishing the period with 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting and a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. Despite the Hogs’ hot start, Central Arkansas managed to stay within striking distance for much of the half. The Bears knocked down key shots to keep the game competitive, but Arkansas still took a 43-34 lead into the locker room.

The Razorbacks put the game out of reach in the second half, outscoring the Bears 50-22. Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. led the charge after a quiet first half, scoring 17 of his 21 total points in the final 20 minutes. He shot 7-of-9 from the field and 3-of-5 from three-point range, sparking an explosive offensive stretch that buried the Bears.

Arkansas also tightened up its execution, committing just two turnovers in the second half compared to eight from Central Arkansas. That defensive pressure led to transition opportunities, as the Hogs racked up 15 fast-break points. Their size and athleticism overwhelmed UCA on both ends, and the Hogs cruised to a 93-56 win.

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Who Stood Out for the Hoop Hogs

Karter Knox shined in his second game back from injury, posting a 19-point double-double with 10 rebounds. He showed off his offensive versatility, shooting efficiently from deep while contributing defensively with a block and a steal. After struggling to find his rhythm in his season debut at Michigan State, Knox looked much more like the player who finished last season strong.

Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. once again led the team in scoring, finishing with 21 points to go along with six rebounds, four assists, and a block. His second-half performance helped Arkansas break the game open. Fellow freshman Meleek Thomas continued his steady play, adding 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting while leading the team with six assists.

Looking Ahead for the Hoop Hogs

Arkansas will continue its four-game homestand, with Central Arkansas being the first of the stretch. The Razorbacks will host Samford next on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. CT at Bud Walton Arena. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.