Hogs edge Samford in unexpectedly tight home matchup

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A game that many Arkansas fans expected to be comfortable turned into a close finish Friday night as No. 21 Arkansas held on for a 79-75 win over Samford at Bud Walton Arena.

The Razorbacks improved to 3-1, but the Bulldogs pushed them until the final seconds.

Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. scored 20 points to lead Arkansas. Freshman guard Meleek Thomas added 17 points and eight rebounds, and senior forward Trevon Brazile returned from back spasms to score 15 with seven rebounds.

DJ Wagner and Billy Richmond III added 10 points each.

Arkansas had built a 15-point lead in the second half, and the crowd settled in expecting the Razorbacks to pull away as they did in their first two home games.

But Samford kept chipping at the margin, making the Razorbacks defend longer possessions and forcing them into contested shots.

The Bulldogs outscored Arkansas 40-37 in the second half and even cut the lead to one possession late.

The Razorbacks again found steady scoring in transition, where they held a 22-9 advantage.

Their work inside also helped them manage long stretches when outside shots did not fall.

Arkansas scored 40 points in the paint and moved the ball well early before Samford began to pressure passing lanes.

Samford kept the game close by forcing Arkansas into slower offensive sets. The Bulldogs adjusted after halftime, rotating the ball through the high post and creating cleaner looks at the rim.

That shift helped them climb back into the game while the Razorbacks struggled to regain the pace that worked earlier.

Brazile’s return provided Arkansas with needed stability after missing time with a back issue.

His mid-range shooting and cutting gave the Razorbacks relief during a stretch when Samford trimmed the lead to single digits. His seven rebounds also came at key moments, especially as the Bulldogs tried to extend possessions.

Thomas continued his strong start to the season by using his size and balance to rebound over Samford’s front line. His eight boards were a game-high for Arkansas and helped slow Samford’s late momentum.

He also played steady defense on the perimeter, often moving to slow driving guards after made free throws.

Acuff, who set the pace early, hit multiple floaters and controlled Arkansas’ late possessions.

His drives into the paint helped Arkansas open space for Wagner and Richmond, both of whom scored on plays that broke Samford’s defensive run.

Acuff’s poise showed as Arkansas worked through a tight finish that many in the building did not expect when the second half began.

Samford’s late charge narrows margin

Samford relied on guard Cade Norris and reserve forward Zion Wilburn, who each scored 15 points to lead the Bulldogs.

Norris found room around Arkansas’ screens, and Wilburn worked inside for close shots and rebounds.

Their scoring helped erase what had looked like a fading chance midway through the half.

Samford outplayed Arkansas in several late situations, hitting shots after long possessions and using patient offense to wear down the Razorbacks’ rotations.

Their 40-point second half forced Arkansas to use more clock and limit turnovers, something the Razorbacks struggled with earlier when they tried to match Samford’s tempo.

The Bulldogs entered the game after a 93-90 overtime road win earlier in the week.

With a new coach in Lennie Acuff, Samford showed efficiency late, even as Arkansas tried to hold the ball and keep them from fast opportunities.

For Arkansas, the close finish came in contrast to its earlier home wins, which the Razorbacks took by wide margins.

Fans who expected that pattern to continue saw Samford use defensive pressure and improved shooting to stay in range. The Bulldogs’ late scoring run quieted the arena and forced Arkansas into longer half-court sets.

Wagner played a steady role once Arkansas settled late.

He hit a few mid-range shots and spread the floor to prevent Samford from trapping the ball. Richmond scored in transition and added movement without the ball to help the Razorbacks counter the Bulldogs’ final run.

Razorbacks remain unbeaten at home but tested

Arkansas will return to Bud Walton Arena on Tuesday to host Winthrop.

The Razorbacks’ three home wins have come by a combined 73 points, but Friday’s four-point margin showed a much tighter contest. Arkansas has not allowed more than 75 points at home this season, but Samford came closest by pushing the Razorbacks throughout the second half.

Samford will play at Central Arkansas on Sunday as it continues a series of road games.

The Bulldogs moved to 2-2 and showed stretches of balanced scoring that helped tighten what many thought would be a wider Arkansas win.

Key takeaways

• Arkansas won 79-75 in a game that stayed much closer than expected, with Samford cutting a 15-point deficit late.

• Freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas led the Razorbacks with 37 combined points.

• Samford’s late offense and improved second-half defense pushed Arkansas into a tighter finish at home.