Calipari leans on stars as Razorbacks move on to Sweet 16

John Calipari leaned back on what he’s trusted all season — his players making plays when it matters most.

“Their coach coached right to the end. Coach (Flynn) Clayman did a great job,” Calipari said. “We hung around and then just so you know, we play it through Darius and he just makes plays. He’s done it all season.”

That approach carried Arkansas through a tight finish Saturday night, as the fourth-seeded Razorbacks held off 12th-seeded High Point 94-88 at Moda Center.

The victory sends the Hogs to the Sweet 16 for the fifth time in six seasons and keeps a strong year moving forward.

Arkansas (28-8) will face the winner of Arizona and Utah State in the next round Thursday in San Jose.

When the game tightened late, the Razorbacks didn’t change anything.

They went to Darius Acuff.

With the score tied 83-83, Acuff delivered a personal 7-0 run, including a pull-up 3-pointer that gave Arkansas control in the final minute.

“That’s happened a few times,” Calipari said. “I’ll even ask, do you want a screen or do you want an open court? Tell me what you want. He’ll tell me and then he goes.”

Acuff finished with 36 points and sealed the win at the free-throw line.

“Winning, that’s the only thing on my mind,” Acuff said. “Whatever I’ve got to do to get my team the win, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Freshmen shine under pressure for Razorbacks

Calipari made it clear this win wasn’t just about one player.

He pointed to the confidence and growth of both Acuff and Meleek Thomas.

“And then Meleek Thomas makes that three, which busted the game,” Calipari said. “They both have confidence, no matter what I say to them… They have confidence in who they are and what they are.”

That confidence showed up throughout the game, especially in key moments.

Thomas hit a crucial 3-pointer during a late run that helped Arkansas create separation.

Calipari said the two young guards bring a rare mindset.

“I want you to look at these two closely, okay,” he said. “They have otherworldly confidence, both of ’em. They could run for president and believe I could run this country.”

He also pointed out how they’ve learned to play together.

“And you know what’s great, they’re playing off of one another,” Calipari said. “All they have done is helped each other.”

That connection helped steady the Razorbacks during a game filled with pressure.

Arkansas adjusts in tight game against High Point

High Point challenged Arkansas from the start and never backed down.

“The hard thing they do, they play a funky zone,” Calipari said. “You got to not think zone… you have to get motion and movement and cutters or you’re not going to score on it.”

With a quick turnaround between games, those adjustments weren’t easy.

“So when you have a one-day turn, it’s hard,” Calipari said. “But I thought the kids did great.”

The Panthers stayed within reach all night, forcing Arkansas into a back-and-forth battle that featured 15 lead changes.

Calipari said both teams kept making adjustments throughout.

“We made adjustments, they made adjustments,” he said. “We’re calling timeouts, he’s calling timeouts. Just trying to fight to survive.”

Arkansas had to respond multiple times, including after falling behind midway through the second half.

Key contributions lift Hogs down the stretch

While Acuff led the scoring, Calipari pointed to several players who made key plays late.

“The other guy that really helped us was Malique Ewin down the stretch,” he said. “He was big down the stretch and getting balls and defending.”

He also highlighted Billy Richmond’s impact in the closing minutes.

“Nothing fazes him,” Calipari said. “We call him Billy Goat because he just does stuff that normal players don’t do.”

Richmond made key defensive plays late, helping Arkansas hold its lead.

The Razorbacks also executed in other areas, including taking care of the ball.

“We had seven turnovers against a team that creates 16,” Calipari said. “That’s because these two are handling the ball.”

Arkansas shot the ball efficiently as well, making enough plays to withstand High Point’s push.

“We shot the ball pretty well,” Calipari said. “And it took all of that to beat High Point.”

Razorbacks rely on will to win to reach Sweet 16

Calipari said the difference ultimately came down to mindset.

“These guys have a will to win,” he said.

Even when facing adversity, Arkansas didn’t break.

“We’re shorthanded, so what?” Calipari said. “No one wants to hear that.”

That mentality showed late, when the Razorbacks executed in key moments to close the game.

High Point finished its season at 31-5 after a 15-game winning streak.

Calipari also took time to praise the Panthers program.

“They are committed, which is why you have a chance to win championships,” he said.

Still, Arkansas found a way to move on.

“I’m just happy we were able to sneak out a W for these kids so we can keep playing,” Calipari said.

The win also marked Calipari’s 17th Sweet 16 appearance, tying him with Tom Izzo for the most among active coaches.