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Arkansas wins SEC Tournament, finally ends title drought

PUBLISHED Mar 15, 2026, 4:03 PM ET

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Nashville. Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. scored 30 points and dished 11 assists, leading No. 17 Arkansas to an 86-75 victory over 22nd-ranked Vanderbilt on Sunday, securing the Razorbacks' first SEC Tournament championship and automatic NCAA Tournament berth since 2000. Arkansas produced a decisive 12-0 run in the final minutes to seal the game. Billy Richmond III added 18 points; Trevon Brazile scored 16. Vanderbilt finished 26-8. The victory also marked coach John Calipari's first SEC tournament title with Arkansas and his 16th combined conference tournament championship. The win snapped Arkansas' four-game skid. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2000 — Arkansas last won an SEC Tournament championship prior to 2026.
2017 — John Calipari’s Kentucky beat Arkansas in the SEC final.
2018 — Calipari’s most recent SEC Tournament title with Kentucky before 2026.
15th March 2026 — Arkansas defeated Vanderbilt 86-75 in the SEC Tournament final; Darius Acuff Jr. recorded 30 points and 11 assists.
15th March 2026 — Calipari became the first coach in SEC history to win tournament titles at two different programs.

News Intelligence

This win is a big morale boost for Arkansas fans. It ends a 26-year drought and brings a sense of pride to the community. If you're a Razorbacks supporter, it's a great time to celebrate and show your team spirit.

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Who Benefited

The Arkansas men’s basketball program benefited through an SEC Tournament title, an automatic NCAA Tournament berth, increased program exposure, improved recruiting prospects, and a boost to coach John Calipari’s coaching legacy.

Who Impacted

Vanderbilt suffered the immediate loss of the SEC championship opportunity, missing a first tournament title since 2012 and forfeiting the automatic NCAA Tournament berth that accompanies the conference championship.

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