Brazile scores 25 as Arkansas opens season with big home win

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Trevon Brazile scored a career-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, leading Arkansas to a 109-77 win over Southern in its season opener Monday night at Bud Walton Arena.

The senior forward added a block, a steal and an assist while playing 28 minutes. It was one of his most complete games since joining the Razorbacks.

Arkansas shot 55% from the field and scored 58 points in the paint. The Razorbacks also shared the ball well, finishing with 26 assists in John Calipari’s second season as head coach.

“He bent his legs today,” Calipari said. “I just went in and said, ‘Kid, you go out there … You’re going to get 10 points a game at the foul line.’ … He did. I’m proud of him.”

Brazile made 8 of 10 free throws, showing improvement from last season’s 52.9% mark. His 15 points in the second half helped Arkansas pull away from Southern.

At 6-foot-10 and 230 pounds, Brazile scored in several ways — inside the paint, in transition and at the line. He hit one of three 3-point attempts and finished 9 of 14 from the floor.

“The whole summer the way we were scrimmaging, that’s just the way I’ve been playing,” Brazile said. “I know for us to be successful, I got to keep playing that way. So, you know, I’m just doing my job.”

Calipari said Brazile’s steady energy helped the team find a rhythm early. The coach also pointed to his improved confidence and physical play as signs of growth.

“He and I laughed,” Calipari said. “I said, ‘You’re going to get 10 points a game at the foul line.’ You just know, ‘I’m making these.’ And he did.”

Freshmen take notice

Freshman guard Meleek Thomas said Brazile’s performance inspired the rest of the roster.

“When you see a vet playing like that … It just makes you want to up the intensity,” Thomas said.

Brazile’s night included several highlight dunks and even a near miss that fired up the Bud Walton Arena crowd. His play lifted the Razorbacks on both ends of the floor and showed the level of leadership Calipari has been looking for.

Five Razorbacks scored in double figures, and Arkansas never trailed. The team’s defensive effort held Southern under 40% shooting, while the offense ran smoothly in transition.

Calipari praised Brazile’s leadership, saying his energy and effort were contagious for younger teammates.

“He’s setting the tone,” Calipari said. “He’s showing them what it looks like to compete every possession.”

Brazile said he was happy with his performance but knows the team has a long season ahead.

“I try not to get too high or too low about it,” he said. “This was the first game that counted. I was just trying to go out there and show what I can do. It was a good night, but I know it’s a long season.”

Calipari agreed that consistency will define Brazile’s impact this year. The coach said the senior’s size, rebounding and free-throw shooting will be key as Arkansas moves into tougher games.

Arkansas’ win gave the Razorbacks a confident start to the 2025-26 season. The crowd of more than 19,000 saw an offense that looked balanced and unselfish.

Looking ahead to Michigan State

The Razorbacks will face their first road test Saturday at No. 22 Michigan State in East Lansing. The matchup will give Calipari’s team a chance to see how it handles pressure away from home.

“It was a good night,” Brazile said, “but we’ve got another one coming up, and that’s what matters.”

The Spartans game will start at 6 p.m. and will air nationally on Fox.

Key takeaways:

• Trevon Brazile had 25 points and 11 rebounds in Arkansas’ 109-77 win over Southern.

• The Razorbacks shot 55% from the field and scored 58 points in the paint.

• Arkansas faces No. 22 Michigan State on the road Saturday at 6 p.m.on Fox.