In a compelling NCAA tournament matchup, the Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 97-78 on March 19, 2026, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. This victory allowed Arkansas, ranked No. 4, to advance to the second round of the tournament.
Arkansas entered the game with a solid record of 26-8, while Hawaii boasted a record of 24-8. The Razorbacks showcased their offensive strength, averaging 89.9 points per game during the season, and they shot an impressive 61.1% from the field in the first half against Hawaii.
The game saw Arkansas establish a commanding lead, at one point going ahead by as many as 20 points. Darius Acuff Jr. was a standout player, having scored 30 points and provided 11 assists in the SEC Tournament final against Vanderbilt just prior to this matchup.
Hawaii, ranked No. 13 in the tournament, had previously secured their spot by defeating UC Irvine in the Big West Tournament finals. Despite their strong season, they struggled to contain Arkansas’s offensive onslaught.
The game began at 3:25 p.m. CT, and as the final buzzer sounded, Arkansas’s victory was a testament to their preparation and skill, particularly as they were the SEC Tournament champions.
Looking ahead, Arkansas is set to face High Point in the next round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will aim to continue their pursuit of a national title. Observers expect Arkansas to maintain their momentum, but the competition will only intensify as the tournament progresses.
