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Darius Acuff Jr. stats today: How Arkansas star's offensive display vs. High Point guided Razorbacks to Sweet 16 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Arkansas Razorbacks found themselves in a back-and-forth matchup against a speedy, 12th-seeded High Point squad on Saturday night. And if it wasn't for his lead scorer all season, John Calipari may have been handed a tough NCAA Tournament loss.
Darius Acuff Jr. shined for Arkansas in the second round of March Madness, scoring nearly 40 percent of his team's points in a 94-88 victory over High Point.
All night, the Panthers were threatening to upset Calipari's unit -- but Acuff consistently put the ball in the basket to lead his team to the Sweet 16. Along the way, he almost certainly gave NBA scouts something to look forward to, as he's considered one of the best guard prospects in the upcoming 2026 draft.
Here's a look at Acuff's terrific scoring performance against High Point, plus more to know about the Arkansas guard.
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Darius Acuff Jr. stats today
- Points: 36
- Rebounds: 1
- Assists: 6
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 2
- FG: 11-22
- 3PT: 3-6
- FT: 11-13
High Point found its success all season from getting out in transition, forcing turnovers and playing fast. That continued Saturday night, which meant there were plenty of opportunities for Acuff to slow down, generate the offense for Arkansas, and go to work against a so-so defensive unit.
That resulted in him shooting 50% on 22 attempts from the floor, including three 3-pointers, while also drawing contact and taking 13 trips to the free-throw line. Acuff displaying the dominant scoring ability that's made him one of the best potential offensive players in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
For Acuff, it was his sixth game this season with at least 30 points. After putting up 24 points and seven assists vs. Hawai'i in Round 1, Acuff followed it up with a clutch, but fluid performance against High Point.
MORE: Breaking down Darius Acuff Jr.'s NBA draft profile, shaky defense
Darius Acuff Jr. highlights vs. High Point
Acuff got a quick start vs. the Panthers, scoring the first points of the night for his team with a drive to the rim.
He was scoring from all over, including deep.
The second half was where things heated up between Arkansas and High Point. The two teams were going back-and-forth with shots, including a catch-and-shoot three from Acuff that tied it at 62.
When Arkansas needed late offense, there was little doubt who Calipari was turning to. Acuff slowed the offense down in the final minutes, carrying the Razorbacks to a lead, including an and-one layup.
With about one minute remaining, Acuff had a dagger, sinking his third 3-pointer to make it a seven-point Razorbacks lead.
Postgame, Calipari attributed Arkansas' late-game play to Acuff, while the guard said he was solely focused on winning.
Darius Acuff Jr. NBA Mock Draft
In The Sporting News' latest NBA Mock Draft, Elliott Pohnl projected Acuff to go No. 5 overall to the Utah Jazz. While he'll likely have a hard time cracking the top-3 due to the talent at the top of the class, Acuff is a likely shoe-in for a top-10 selection, if not top-6.
Acuff's scoring talents, especially for a freshman, are what will make him a premiere young player in the NBA. He's a dynamic scorer who is also proven as a capable passer. While Acuff has drawn heavy criticism for his defensive abilities and effort, his offensive prowess will be enough to become a lottery pick.
Tankathon's 2026 NBA Draft Big Board has Acuff as its No. 6 overall player, while ESPN ranked him No. 8.
MORE: The Sporting News' pre-March Madness NBA mock draft
Darius Acuff Jr. height
Acuff is listed by Arkansas at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds.
SN AWARDS: All-America team | Player of the Year | Coach of the Year
Darius Acuff Jr. dad
Darius Acuff Jr.'s father is Darius Acuff Sr.
According to On3, Acuff Sr. played basketball for Eastern Kentucky in college and averaged 12.3 points and 4.4 assists per game in the 1998-99 season.
How old is Darius Acuff Jr.?
Acuff Jr. is 19 years old. He will turn 20 on Nov. 16, 2026.
The Arkansas guard's age, just a freshman in 2025-26, is also part of his sky-high NBA Draft profile.
MORE MARCH MADNESS NEWS:
- 10 best NBA prospects in March Madness
- Ranking the college basketball's loaded freshmen class
- Meet the Cinderella stars who could bust brackets
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