FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Darius Acuff Jr. scored 24 of his career-high 31 points in the second half to lead No. 20 Arkansas to an 85-81 victory over LSU on Saturday.
Acuff shot 10 for 11 from the field in the final 20 minutes, making all three of his 3-pointers. Fellow freshman Meleek Thomas joined him in double figures for the Razorbacks (15-5, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) with 13 points and Billy Richmond III added 11.
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Arkansas made nine consecutive shots starting midway through the second half and Acuff had a hand in all of them. He made six of the baskets, including three from 3-point range, and assisted on the other three.
LSU (13-7, 1-6) stayed in the game by getting inside. The Tigers scored 19 second-chance points and outscored the Razorbacks in the paint, 42-36. Arkansas only made 7 of 18 free throws to LSU’s 22-of-25 mark, as well.
Acuff missed two free throws with 31 seconds remaining and Arkansas ahead by three points, giving LSU a chance. But Dedan Thomas Jr. missed a jumper on the Tigers’ next possession.
Thomas scored 18 points to lead all five LSU starters in double figures. Pablo Tamba had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
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The game’s tip time was moved up 3 1/2 hours because of the major snowstorm that hit the middle of the country and moved northeast.
Up next
Arkansas travels to Oklahoma on Tuesday.
LSU hosts Mississippi State on Wednesday.
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