Arkansas Razorbacks Edge LSU Tigers in Close Contest
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · Bud Walton Arena
Arkansas Razorbacks 85, LSU Tigers 81, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won LSU Tigers vs Arkansas Razorbacks?
Arkansas Razorbacks beat LSU Tigers 85-81 at Bud Walton Arena on January 24, 2026.
Who was favored in LSU Tigers vs Arkansas Razorbacks?
Arkansas Razorbacks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -625 (about 86% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at Bud Walton Arena, the Arkansas Razorbacks narrowly defeated the LSU Tigers with a final score of 85-81. This matchup was significant as both teams were looking to improve their standings in the NCAAB league, and the Razorbacks showcased their home advantage effectively.
Arkansas entered the game with a home record of 15-5, and they have been particularly strong at home, boasting a recent record of 7-3 over their last ten games. The Razorbacks have averaged an impressive 91.9 points per game while allowing 82.3 points during this stretch. Their last game before facing LSU was a commanding victory against the Vanderbilt Commodores, where they won 93-68. This performance highlighted their offensive capabilities and set the stage for their clash with LSU.
On the other hand, the LSU Tigers, with an away record of 13-7, have struggled somewhat in their recent outings, posting a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They averaged 78.7 points while allowing 75.5 points during this period. The Tigers came into this game following a loss to the Florida Gators, where they fell 61-79. This recent form suggested that LSU would need to elevate their performance to compete with the high-scoring Razorbacks.
Historically, the two teams have faced each other twice in the 2025 season, with each team winning one game. Arkansas won the last meeting on February 13, 2025, with a score of 70-58, while LSU had previously defeated the Razorbacks 78-74 on January 15, 2025. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as both teams aimed to assert their dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either side, indicating that both teams were likely at full strength for this important contest. This factor often plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of games, especially in tightly contested matchups.
The betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated that Arkansas was favored to win by 10.5 points, with a total set at 163.5. The odds reflected the Razorbacks' strong home performance and the Tigers' struggles on the road. The spread and moneyline offered insight into how the market viewed each team's chances, with Arkansas at -625 and LSU at 455.
As the game unfolded, the conditions at Bud Walton Arena were conducive to an exciting matchup. The atmosphere was electric, with fans supporting the Razorbacks in their quest for victory. The scoring plays were crucial, with Dedan Thomas Jr. making significant contributions, including a 25-foot three-point jumper that helped maintain Arkansas's lead late in the game.
The final moments of the game were tense, with LSU making a push to close the gap. Marquel Sutton's free throws brought the Tigers within striking distance, but Arkansas responded with key plays, including a 24-foot three-point jumper from Trevon Brazile. The Razorbacks' ability to execute under pressure ultimately secured their victory.
Overall, this game was a testament to the competitive nature of college basketball, showcasing the Razorbacks' resilience at home and the Tigers' determination to challenge them. The close scoreline of 85-81 reflects the intensity of the matchup and the skill level of both teams as they continue their respective seasons.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ARK -10.5 | 163.5 o -105 / u -115 | LSU Tigers +455 · Arkansas Razorbacks -625 |
Leaders
- PointsDarius Acuff Jr.31Arkansas Razorbacks
- AssistsDarius Acuff Jr.6Arkansas Razorbacks
- ReboundsTrevon Brazile7Arkansas Razorbacks
- PointsDedan Thomas Jr.18LSU Tigers
- AssistsDedan Thomas Jr.5LSU Tigers
- ReboundsPablo Tamba10LSU Tigers
Recent form
Arkansas Razorbacks
Last 10: 7-3Streak W191.9 scored · 82.3 allowed per game6-1 at home
- W93-68vs Vanderbilt CommodoresJan 21
- L76-90at Georgia BulldogsJan 17
- W108-74vs South Carolina GamecocksJan 15
- L73-95at Auburn TigersJan 10
- W94-87at Ole Miss RebelsJan 8
- W86-75vs Tennessee VolunteersJan 3
- W103-74vs James Madison DukesDec 30
- L85-94vs Houston CougarsDec 20
- W108-80vs Queens University RoyalsDec 17
- W93-86vs Texas Tech Red RaidersDec 13
LSU Tigers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L178.7 scored · 75.5 allowed per game0-3 away
- L61-79at Florida GatorsJan 21
- W78-70vs Missouri TigersJan 17
- L74-75vs Kentucky WildcatsJan 15
- L73-84at Vanderbilt CommodoresJan 10
- L68-78vs South Carolina GamecocksJan 7
- L72-75at Texas A&M AggiesJan 3
- W90-62vs Southern Miss Golden EaglesDec 30
- W104-90vs Prairie View A&M PanthersDec 23
- W78-65vs SE Louisiana LionsDec 20
- W89-77vs SMU MustangsDec 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | LSU Tigers | Arkansas Razorbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-61 | 34-60 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 57 |
| Three-pointers | 3-15 | 10-22 |
| Three-point % | 20 | 45 |
| Free throws | 22-25 | 7-18 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 39 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 28 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 20 |
| Assists | 14 | 18 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 0 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 36 |
| Fouls | 19 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 66 | 27 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-47Darius Acuff Jr. makes driving layup (Karter Knox assists)
- 2nd Half50-49Billy Richmond III makes layup
- 2nd Half50-50Billy Richmond III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-50Mike Nwoko makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-50Mike Nwoko makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-53Meleek Thomas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Malique Ewin assists)
- 2nd Half54-53Pablo Tamba makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-55Darius Acuff Jr. makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-55Mike Nwoko makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-55Dedan Thomas Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-56Billy Richmond III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-56Mike Nwoko makes 5-foot jumper (Dedan Thomas Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half59-59Darius Acuff Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (D.J. Wagner assists)
- 2nd Half61-59Dedan Thomas Jr. makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-62Karter Knox makes 24-foot three point jumper (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half61-64Darius Acuff Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half63-64Marquel Sutton makes layup (Max Mackinnon assists)
- 2nd Half64-64Marquel Sutton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-66Darius Acuff Jr. makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-66Max Mackinnon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-66Max Mackinnon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-69Darius Acuff Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half67-69Max Mackinnon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-71Darius Acuff Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-73Billy Richmond III makes driving layup (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half67-74Billy Richmond III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-74Marquel Sutton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-74Marquel Sutton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-77Darius Acuff Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Billy Richmond III assists)
- 2nd Half71-77Mike Nwoko makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half72-77Mike Nwoko makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-79Nick Pringle makes layup (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half75-79Dedan Thomas Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Max Mackinnon assists)
- 2nd Half76-79Marquel Sutton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-79Marquel Sutton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-81Meleek Thomas makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half79-81Dedan Thomas Jr. makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half79-84Trevon Brazile makes 24-foot three point jumper (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half81-84Dedan Thomas Jr. makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half81-85Darius Acuff Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Arkansas Razorbacks, below favours LSU Tigers.
Venue
- Bud Walton ArenaFayetteville, AR
- OfficialsPatrick Evans, Wil Howard, Owen Shortt
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Arkansas Dominates LSU in Convincing WinFeb 10, 2026
- LSU Tigers Edge Arkansas Razorbacks in Close ContestNov 15, 2025