No. 15 Arkansas Visits Reeling Oklahoma in Critical SEC Basketball Clash
NORMAN, January 27, 2026 – A pivotal Southeastern Conference men’s basketball matchup unfolds tonight as the No. 15 Arkansas Razorbacks (15-5, 5-2 SEC) travel to face the Oklahoma Sooners (11-9, 1-6 SEC) at Lloyd Noble Center. The game, televised on ESPN at 6:00 PM CT, features a Razorbacks team seeking to solve its road woes against a Sooners squad desperate to snap a six-game conference losing streak.
Contrasting Fortunes Set the Stage
Arkansas enters with momentum from back-to-back wins, including an 85-81 victory over LSU where freshman phenom Darius Acuff Jr. dropped a career-high 31 points. However, Coach John Calipari’s team has struggled away from Fayetteville, posting a 1-3 record in true road games this season. Conversely, Oklahoma is reeling from a heartbreaking 88-87 overtime loss at Missouri, a defeat sealed by a buzzer-beating three-pointer. The six-game skid is the program’s longest since the 2017-18 season and piles pressure on fourth-year head coach Porter Moser.
Key Players to Watch
The spotlight shines on the backcourt. Arkansas is led by Acuff, the frontrunner for SEC Freshman of the Year, who averages 20.2 points and 6.2 assists per game. Oklahoma counters with junior guard Xzayvier Brown, who has been a bright spot during the slump, averaging 21.5 points over his last four contests. The battle for ball security may prove decisive; both teams rank in the top 40 nationally for fewest turnovers per game.
A Historic Border Rivalry
While this is only the second meeting since Oklahoma joined the SEC, the schools share a deep history across sports. The basketball series dates to 1938, with Arkansas holding a narrow 17-15 all-time edge. However, Oklahoma dominates in Norman, leading 8-3 on its home court and having won the last five meetings there. The football rivalry is even more storied, though the teams have not met on the gridiron since 2001.
Programs at a Glance: A Legacy Comparison
| Category | Arkansas Razorbacks | Oklahoma Sooners |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Football Record | 749-555-40 (.572) | 960-351-53 (.723) |
| Claimed National Titles (FB) | 1 | 7 |
| Conference Championships (FB) | 13 | 50 |
| Bowl Game Record | 18-24-3 (.400) | 31-26-1 (.534) |
| Heisman Trophy Winners | 0 | 7 |
| Head-to-Head (FB) | Oklahoma leads series, 10-4-1 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of this basketball game?
For Arkansas, it’s a chance to solidify its standing near the top of the SEC and prove it can win on the road. For Oklahoma, it’s a must-win opportunity to salvage its season and gain a signature victory for its postseason resume.
How have the teams fared in recent meetings?
Oklahoma has won three of the last four basketball matchups, including a 65-62 victory in Fayetteville last season in the teams’ first SEC contest. The Sooners also won two of three neutral-site games played in Tulsa from 2021-2023.
When was the last time Arkansas won in Norman?
Arkansas’s last men’s basketball victory at Lloyd Noble Center was during the 1977-78 season, a 64-53 win. The Razorbacks have lost five straight in Norman since.
What’s at stake for Coach John Calipari?
Calipari is sitting on 892 career on-court wins at the Division I level. A victory tonight would move him within seven wins of the prestigious 900-win milestone.