Darius Acuff Jr., Trevon Brazile share initial reactions to SEC Tournament win
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Darius Acuff Jr. was at the center of Arkansas‘ SEC Tournament title game victory over Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon, which wasn’t a surprise, and Trevon Brazile was a beast inside, as the tandem helped carry the Razorbacks to an 86-75 victory in Nashville.
Acuff, the freshman sensation, continued his torrid pace with 30 points and 11 assists in 37 riveting minutes, while Brazile put on a show himself with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks, and the big man even went 4 of 5 from 3-point territory. Acuff did a little damage from long distance, too, going 5 of 8, as the duo helped Arkansas improve to 26-8 with a full head of steam going into the NCAA Tournament.
John Calipari became the first coach to win the SEC Tournament title at 2 different schools, adding Sunday’s crown to the slew of SEC tourney championships he captured at Kentucky. That achievement couldn’t have been possible without Acuff and Brazile leading the way over Vandy, which by the way locked down Arkansas’ first SEC Tournament title since 2000.
Acuff and Brazile had a lot to do with the crowning moment and a lot to say about it afterward during their joint postgame interview on ESPN.
“We went through a lot of adversity this year, injuries, things like that. Just super proud of this team,” Brazile said. “Proud of everybody for the fight we had. Three games in 3 days is always hard.”
Acuff might be the star of this Arkansas team, but he knows how important Brazile is and was again on Sunday.
“He’s the X-factor on this team. He’s the key to us winning anything,” Acuff said of Brazile.
After yet another heroic performance, Acuff was asked about his mindset coming into the title game.
“Play our game. Don’t get too rattled because it’s the championship. Just keep moving,” Acuff said. “It means everything (for Arkansas). We’re together. I’m just so proud of this team.”
With Arkansas officially punching its ticket to the NCAA Tournament, the Hogs have a chance to make a deep run. Here is how the Kalshi market currently sees the top teams in the mix to make it all the way to the Sweet 16:
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
