Arkansas edges Oklahoma 83-79 in Norman, overcoming halftime deficit and three-point shooting disparity

Arkansas rallies late to win at Lloyd Noble Center

Arkansas defeated Oklahoma 83-79 on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, extending the Sooners’ difficulties in Southeastern Conference play. Oklahoma led 48-44 at halftime but was outscored 39-31 after the break as Arkansas finished the night with a four-point road win.

The game hinged on contrasting shot profiles and execution: Arkansas generated offense efficiently inside the arc and at the free-throw line, while Oklahoma relied heavily on three-point production. Arkansas shot 56% overall (35 of 63) and went 11 of 13 at the line. Oklahoma shot 46% (29 of 63) and hit 10 of 27 from three, while also converting 11 of 12 free throws.

Efficiency at the rim, ball security and the margin for error

Despite Oklahoma’s sizable advantage from three-point range—10 made threes to Arkansas’ two—Arkansas’ interior efficiency and lower turnover total helped offset that gap. Arkansas committed six turnovers, compared with 12 by Oklahoma. The Razorbacks also held an edge in controlling the game’s shot quality, using high-percentage looks to compensate for a 2-of-17 performance from three-point range (12%).

Oklahoma finished with a narrow rebounding advantage, 34-31, including a significant night on the offensive glass from center Mohamed Wague (six offensive rebounds). Still, Arkansas limited the extra possessions enough to keep the contest within a one- or two-possession margin in the final minutes.

Key performers

• Darius Acuff Jr. led Arkansas with 21 points on 7-of-16 shooting and 6-of-7 at the line. He also recorded nine assists with no turnovers in 36 minutes.

• Meleek Thomas added 16 points for Arkansas, and Nick Pringle contributed eight points on 4-of-4 shooting.

• Nijel Pack paced Oklahoma with 22 points, including 6-of-11 from three-point range and 8-of-15 shooting overall.

• Mohamed Wague posted nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds for the Sooners, along with four assists.

Conference context

With the result, Arkansas improved to 16-5 overall and 6-2 in SEC play. Oklahoma fell to 11-10 overall and 1-7 in the SEC. The outcome underscored a recurring theme for Oklahoma during conference play: narrow margins that depend on sustained second-half execution, especially when opposing teams can score efficiently inside despite Oklahoma’s perimeter success.

Final: Arkansas 83, Oklahoma 79 (Jan. 27, 2026) — Oklahoma led 48-44 at halftime; Arkansas won the second half 39-31.