Arkansas defense locks down Central Arkansas in 93-56 win

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas used its size and defensive depth to dominate Central Arkansas 93-56 on Tuesday night at Bud Walton Arena, controlling every phase of the game to bounce back from its road loss at Michigan State.

The Razorbacks smothered the Bears on defense, holding them to 25 percent shooting and 0-for-18 from 3-point range in the second half.

It gave coach John Calipari’s young team a much-needed early-season confidence boost and offered a glimpse of the physical identity he hopes to establish.

Arkansas improved to 2-1 overall and 2-0 at home, extending its all-time record against UCA to 10-0. The Bears dropped to 1-2.

“This was the kind of defensive effort we needed,” Calipari said. “We were active, we were talking, and we made it hard for them to get into their offense. That’s what we’ve been working toward.”

While freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. again led the way with 21 points, the win was more about balance and buy-in on the defensive end than offensive fireworks.

The Razorbacks turned 15 turnovers by UCA into 21 points, limited second-chance opportunities, and dictated tempo from the start.

Karter Knox, who had missed the opener with a toe injury and was limited in the second game, produced a breakout performance with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Meleek Thomas added 17 points, and Malique Ewin came off the bench to contribute 10, showing that Arkansas could attack from multiple spots on the floor without losing energy or efficiency.

Arkansas raced to a 47-27 halftime lead and never looked back. A 12-2 burst early in the second half, fueled by three straight 3-pointers from Acuff and a three-point play from Knox, stretched the margin past 20.

The Razorbacks followed that with a 13-2 run midway through the half that effectively sealed the win.

UCA went nearly seven minutes without a field goal during that stretch.

The Bears shot 4 of 27 from beyond the arc for the game and struggled to generate consistent offense against Arkansas’ length and quickness.

Tucker Anderson led UCA with 12 points, and Camren Hunter added 10.

Calipari said the defensive consistency and rebounding margin — Arkansas won 46-33 on the boards — were the most encouraging signs.

“It’s not just about scoring,” he said. “We’ve got to be tough on every possession. You want your defense to travel, and tonight, that part looked better.”

The Razorbacks’ frontcourt depth also stood out. Ewin’s presence off the bench helped control the paint while Knox and Jalen Graham attacked the glass.

Arkansas outscored UCA 44-18 inside, a sign that Calipari’s team is beginning to play to its strengths.

Acuff, who has now led Arkansas in scoring in all three games this season, continued to show maturity beyond his years. His shot selection, court vision, and ability to handle defensive pressure have made him the early focal point of the Razorbacks’ offense.

“He’s learning every night,” Calipari said. “He’s still figuring it out, but he competes and he listens. That’s a great place to start.”

Arkansas maintained control throughout the second half, using patient offensive possessions and aggressive rotations to frustrate UCA.

The Bears’ only scoring bursts came from free throws, as Arkansas’ defense prevented them from establishing any rhythm from outside or in transition.

The Razorbacks will stay in Fayetteville to host Samford on Friday before another stretch of nonconference games leading into Thanksgiving week.

UCA will return home to face Samford as well.

Key takeaways:

• Arkansas’ defense held Central Arkansas to 25 percent shooting and no made threes in the second half.

• The Razorbacks’ rebounding and bench depth fueled a 44-18 edge in points in the paint.

• Darius Acuff Jr. has led Arkansas in scoring in all three games this season.