Darius Acuff Jr Powers Arkansas Razorbacks Past Vanderbilt 86 - 75 to Win SEC Tournament Championship

NASHVILLE — Darius Acuff Jr. delivered a dominant performance with 30 points and 11 assists as the Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores men's basketball 86 - 75 to capture the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament championship.

The title marks a major postseason breakthrough for Arkansas and provides significant momentum as the program prepares for the upcoming NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Arkansas controlled much of the championship game with efficient offense and consistent perimeter shooting, finishing the contest shooting 52 percent from the field and 63 percent from three point range.

Acuff Jr led the Razorbacks on both ends of the floor. The freshman guard finished 9 of 20 from the field and 5 of 8 from three point range while also converting 7 of 8 free throws. His 11 assists helped Arkansas generate 21 total team assists, reflecting the ball movement that defined the Razorbacks’ offensive rhythm throughout the final.

Billy Richmond III added 18 points on 8 of 13 shooting while Trevon Brazile contributed 16 points and nine rebounds, including four three point baskets that stretched Vanderbilt’s defense.

Arkansas also received key bench production from D. J. Wagner, who scored 11 points and connected on all three of his three point attempts. The Razorbacks’ depth proved critical as they maintained scoring pressure during multiple Vanderbilt runs.

Vanderbilt remained competitive behind strong performances from Tyler Nickel and Duke Miles, who each scored 19 points for the Commodores. Nickel shot 7 of 12 from the field and 5 of 7 from three point range while adding nine rebounds.

Miles added nine assists and four steals, helping Vanderbilt stay within striking distance for much of the contest.

Tyler Tanner contributed 15 points and converted all eight of his free throw attempts, while Jalen Washington added eight points and seven rebounds off the bench.

Despite the offensive contributions, Vanderbilt struggled with shooting efficiency overall, finishing the game at 38 percent from the field compared with Arkansas’ 52 percent. The Razorbacks also maintained a slight rebounding edge, finishing with 36 rebounds to Vanderbilt’s 34.

The championship result represents an important milestone for Arkansas as the program builds momentum entering March Madness. Strong backcourt play from Acuff Jr and balanced scoring across the roster position the Razorbacks as a team capable of competing deep into the national tournament field.

For Vanderbilt, reaching the conference final signals significant progress for the program despite the loss. The Commodores’ offensive production throughout the tournament demonstrated the development of their backcourt and perimeter shooting.

The latest timeline now shifts toward the national tournament bracket. Arkansas enters the NCAA Tournament with renewed momentum after winning the SEC title, while Vanderbilt awaits its postseason placement as the selection committee finalizes the field.

Both programs now prepare for the next stage of the college basketball postseason, where conference tournament success often translates into stronger NCAA Tournament runs.