No. 20 Arkansas Visits No. 25 Alabama After Acuff’s 31-Point Game
No. 20 Arkansas faces No. 25 Alabama on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, following Darius Acuff Jr.’s impressive 31-point performance in the Razorbacks’ 88-75 win against Auburn. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.
Team Standings and Recent Performance
Arkansas enters the game with a 19-6 overall record and a 9-3 record in SEC play. Alabama is 18-7 overall and 8-4 in conference matchups. The Razorbacks have won six of their last seven games, while the Crimson Tide have won their last four.
Key Player Performances
Darius Acuff Jr. Led Arkansas against Auburn, scoring 31 points while shooting 10-for-15 from the field and 7-for-10 from three-point range. Billy Richmond III added a career-high 25 points. For Alabama, Aden Holloway scored 20 points, and Labaron Philon Jr. And Latrell Wrightsell Jr. Each contributed 19 points in their 89-75 victory over South Carolina.
Statistical Overview
Alabama leads the SEC in scoring, averaging 91.8 points per game. However, they also allow 82.7 points per game, ranking last in the conference defensively. Arkansas is the conference’s best overall shooting team. Alabama makes an average of 12.8 three-pointers per game, 5.0 more than Arkansas allows. Arkansas shoots at a 50.4% rate from the field, while Alabama’s opponents average 42.7% shooting.
Head-to-Head History
Alabama has won five consecutive meetings against Arkansas, including an 85-81 victory last season. Arkansas covered as a 5-point underdog in that previous matchup.
Betting Odds (as of February 17, 2026)
According to BetMGM Sportsbook:
- Moneyline: Arkansas +154 | Alabama -190
- Against the Spread: Arkansas +4.5 (-115) | Alabama -4.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 182.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Expert Predictions
Analysts suggest considering a bet on Arkansas +4.5, citing Alabama’s defensive vulnerabilities and Arkansas’ strong offensive performance. The over on 182.5 points is also a potential bet, given both teams’ scoring abilities and Alabama’s defensive struggles.
Looking Ahead
This matchup presents a significant challenge for both teams as they navigate the SEC schedule. The outcome could have implications for seeding in the upcoming SEC Tournament.