Darius Acuff Jr.’s stats today: How Arkansas star’s offensive performance against High Point leads Razorbacks to Sweet 16 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Arkansas Razorbacks were in a back-and-forth game Saturday night against a speedy 12th-seeded High Point team. If it weren’t for John Calipari, the leading scorer all season long, he might have suffered a crushing defeat in the NCAA Tournament.
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Darius Acuff Jr. had a stellar performance for Arkansas in the second round of March Madness, scoring nearly 40 percent of the team’s points in the team’s 94-88 victory over High Point.
The Panthers threatened to upset Calipari’s team all night, but Acav consistently put the ball in the basket to lead his team to the Sweet 16. Along the way, he’s almost certainly given NBA scouts something to look forward to, as he’s considered one of the top guard prospects in the upcoming 2026 draft.
Here’s a look at Acuff’s scoring performance against High Point, plus more on the Arkansas guard.
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Darius Acuff Jr. Today’s Stats
High Point’s success all season has been fueled by driving in transition, forcing turnovers and playing fast. Saturday night’s game is still going on, which means Acuff has plenty of opportunities to slow down and get Arkansas’ offense going against a so-so defensive team.
This resulted in him shooting 50% on 22 shots, including three 3-pointers, while also making contact and getting to the free throw line 13 times. Akav has shown dominant scoring ability, making him one of the top offensive prospects in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
For Akav, it was his sixth game this season with at least 30 points. After scoring 24 points and dishing out seven assists in the first round against Hawaii, Acav had another clutch but fluid performance against High Point.
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More: Breaking down Darius Acuff Jr.’s NBA draft profile, fragile defense
Darius Acuff Jr.’s great game against High Point
Acav got off to a fast start against the Panthers, scoring his team’s first points of the night by driving to the rim.
He scores from all angles, including deep.
Things got even more heated between Arkansas and High Point in the second half. The two teams exchanged shots, and Akaf’s catch-and-shoot shot tied the score at 62.
When Arkansas needs a late-game offense, there’s no question who Calipari turns to. Acav slowed down the offense in the final minutes to give the Razorbacks the lead, including a two-and-one layup.
Acav’s third 3-pointer gave the Razorbacks a seven-point lead with about a minute left in the game.
After the game, Calipari credited Acav for Arkansas’ late-game performance, and the guard said he was only focused on winning.
Darius Acuff Jr. NBA Mock Draft
In The Sporting News’ latest NBA mock draft, Elliott Pohnl predicts Acav will go to the Utah Jazz with the No. 5 overall pick. While he may have a hard time finishing in the top three due to his top-tier talent in the class, Akav will likely finish in the top 10, if not the top six.
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Akav’s scoring talent, especially for a freshman, will make him one of the premier young players in the NBA. He is a dynamic scorer and has proven to be a capable passer. While Acav has been heavily criticized for his defensive ability and effort, his offensive prowess is enough to make him a lottery pick.
Tankathon ranks Acav as the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, while ESPN has him ranked eighth.
More: The Sporting News’ Pre-March Madness NBA Mock Draft
Darius Acuff Jr. height
Acuff was listed at Arkansas at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds.
SN Awards: All-American | player of the year | Coach of the Year
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Darius Acuff Jr. father
Darius Acuff Jr.’s father is Darius Acuff Sr.
According to On3, the elder Acuff played college basketball for Eastern Kentucky University, averaging 12.3 points and 4.4 assists per game in the 1998-99 season.
How old is Darius Acuff Jr.?
Little Akaf is 19 years old. On November 16, 2026, he will turn 20 years old.
The Arkansas guard is only a freshman through the 2025-26 season, which is part of his high profile in the NBA Draft.
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