The Hoop Hogs will head into the regular season with plenty of momentum after comfortably taking down Memphis 99-75 in their final exhibition game. Despite a hot start from the Tigers, Arkansas overcame a 15-point deficit and turned it into a dominant 24-point victory.
Game Summary
Arkansas got on the board first with an alley-oop from Darius Acuff Jr. to Nick Pringle. Memphis on the other hand stole the show early. With 8:44 left in the first half, the Tigers had built a 28-13 lead, fueled by their disruptive defense and quick pace. The Hogs then began clawing their way back, shooting 46.7% from the field and trimming the deficit to just three points at halftime, trailing 45-42.
About five minutes into the second half, the Razorbacks took control and never looked back. Arkansas dominated the paint, outscoring Memphis 56-26, and showcased impressive depth as the bench outscored the Tigers 51-25. The Hogs proved they can rely on multiple scoring options, with five players finishing in double figures. Their strong second half lifted them to a commanding 99-75 victory heading into the regular season.
Who Stood Out for the Hoop Hogs
The freshman duo of Meleek Thomas and Darius Acuff Jr. once again led the way offensively. Thomas finished with a team-high 23 points while adding seven rebounds, tying for the team lead, and a game-high four steals. Acuff followed with 17 points and led the team with seven assists, showing poise and vision beyond his years. The two five-star freshmen have quickly established themselves as key contributors for this Arkansas squad.
Transfer forward Malique Ewin also had an efficient night, scoring 15 points on 4-of-5 shooting and going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. He added four rebounds, a steal, and a block in 25 minutes of action.
Sophomore Billy Richmond III shined in his hometown of Memphis, finishing with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Richmond’s defensive intensity remained a difference-maker as he recorded two blocks and a steal, showcasing his growth as a two-way player.
Looking Ahead for the Hoop Hogs
With exhibition play complete, the focus now shifts to the regular season. Arkansas will open the 2025 campaign at home in Bud Walton Arena on Nov. 3 against Southern University. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CST, and the game will be televised on SEC Network.
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