Arkansas Pulls Off Sweet 16 Rematch Win Over Texas Tech, Brazile Dominates

In a rematch of last season’s Sweet 16 showdown, the No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks edged the No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders 93-86 on Saturday. The victory was highlighted by Trevon Brazile’s 24 points, 10 rebounds, and a decisive play late in the second half.

Game Overview

Arkansas entered the game with an 8-2 record, while Texas Tech was 7-3. The Razorbacks trailed by as many as ten points before halftime, but rallied to take the lead with a critical play from Brazile. After the break, Brazile scored 18 of his 24 points, a surge that turned the tide in Arkansas’s favor.

Brazile’s Clutch Performance

Brazile’s driving layup with 5:20 remaining gave Arkansas a 78-77 lead, a moment that shifted momentum. A minute later, after a timeout, he executed a move near the baseline that lifted JT Toppin and allowed Brazile to finish with a one‑handed dunk over the defensive line. His 12 points in a nearly five‑minute stretch helped secure the comeback.

Texas Tech’s Response

Texas Tech’s JT Toppin posted 30 points and 11 rebounds, a double‑double that marked his 24th in 42 games over the past two seasons. Christian Anderson added 26 points and 11 assists. Despite their efforts, the Red Raiders could not overcome Arkansas’s late surge.

Sweet 16 Rematch Context

Brazile is one of the three Razorback starters who played in the Sweet 16 game last March. In that contest, Arkansas had a 16‑point lead midway through the second half before Tech rallied for an overtime victory. Toppin and Anderson were the only Tech starters who returned from that comeback to the Elite Eight.

Scoring Leaders

Both Darius Acuff Jr. and Karter Knox scored 20 points each for Arkansas. Knox’s 3‑pointer with 1:40 left in the first half gave the Razorbacks a 43-42 lead, the only time they were ahead before halftime. He also contributed a dunk and a layup during a 17-6 run.

Halftime Dynamics

Texas Tech regained the lead with the last seven points of the first half, beginning with back‑to‑back layups by Toppin. The Red Raiders’ early surge set the stage for a tense second half, where Arkansas fought back from a deficit.

Key Moments

• Brazile’s layup and dunk turned a 10‑point deficit into a 1‑point lead.
• Toppin’s 30 points and 11 rebounds anchored Texas Tech’s offense.
• Knox’s 3‑pointer capped a 17‑6 run that gave Arkansas its only first‑half lead.

Final Score and Impact

Arkansas’s 93-86 win solidified their position in the conference and extended their winning streak. The victory also highlighted the Razorbacks’ resilience after trailing in the first half.

Upcoming Games

Texas Tech will face Northern Colorado on Tuesday, while Arkansas will host Queens on the same night. Both teams will look to build on their performances from Saturday.

Takeaways

• Arkansas overcame a 10‑point halftime deficit to win 93-86.
• Trevon Brazile’s 24 points, 10 rebounds, and late clutch play were pivotal.
• Texas Tech’s JT Toppin recorded a double‑double but could not secure the win.

The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for the next round of matchups.

Closing Thoughts

Arkansas’s victory in this Sweet 16 rematch demonstrates the team’s ability to rally under pressure. Brazile’s dominant performance and the collective effort from the Razorbacks underscore why they remain a formidable opponent in the conference.