Arkansas edges upset-minded High Point behind Darius Acuff Jr.’s 36 points

PORTLAND, Ore. — Darius Acuff Jr. had 36 points and six assists to help No. 4-seeded Arkansas survive a scare from 12th-seeded High Point with a 94-88 victory in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night.

The Razorbacks (28-8) will face the winner of Sunday’s matchup between top-seeded Arizona and No. 9 seed Utah State on Thursday in the Sweet 16 in San Jose, California.

Darius Acuff Jr. celebrates during the Arkansas’ 94-88 win over High Point on March 21, 2026 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. AP

Two of the highest-scoring teams in the nation combined on a back-and-forth affair that featured 15 lead changes and six ties, before Arkansas had just enough late to send coach John Calipari to his 17th Sweet 16.

Rob Martin had 30 points, five assists and four rebounds for High Point (31-5), which pulled off a first-round upset of fifth-seeded Wisconsin. 

A dejected Rob Martin, who is consoled by his coach, Flynn Clayman, finished with 30 points for High Point. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cam’Ron Fletcher, who was recruited by Calipari when he coached at Kentucky, had 25 points.