TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Darius Acuff Jr. walked off the court in a protective boot just days ago. On Wednesday, the Arkansas freshman guard laced up and torched Alabama for 49 points in a 117-115 double-overtime loss.

Acuff played all 50 minutes for coach John Calipari’s depleted squad. He shot 16-for-27 from the field, including 6-for-10 from three-point range. The outburst added five rebounds and five assists, according to game statistics.

“He was in a boot for two days and still did that,” Calipari said after the game.

Acuff’s total marks the second-highest single-game score in college basketball this season. It set records as the most points by a freshman against an AP Top 25 team, the most by any Arkansas freshman and the highest in a Southeastern Conference game by a Razorback. He fell two shy of Rotnei Clarke’s school record of 51 from 2009 against Alcorn State.

Arkansas led by 14 points twice but watched Alabama rally. Four Razorbacks fouled out in overtime, leaving Acuff to shoulder the load. He sent the game to extra time with a three-pointer at 12 seconds left in regulation. In the second half and overtimes, Acuff scored or assisted on 35 of Arkansas’ 58 points.

His final shot in the second overtime — a floater in the lane — bounced off the backboard. Alabama grabbed the rebound to seal its fifth straight win. The No. 25 Crimson Tide improved to 18-8 overall and 10-3 in the SEC.

“We blew leads, but we fought,” Acuff said. “(My performance) doesn’t mean anything. We lost.”

The defeat snapped Arkansas’ three-game winning streak. The Razorbacks sit at 19-7 overall and 9-4 in conference play, tied for second with Alabama and Tennessee. All three trail 12th-ranked Florida by two games.

Acuff’s explosion capped a hot streak. He notched at least 25 points in three straight games, 20 or more in seven consecutive outings and three 30-point games in that span. Arkansas went 5-2 during the stretch.

Calipari heaped praise on his star. “His body language, his ability to make everyone better, his will to win,” the coach said. “I’ve coached some really good guards over the years, and he’s right there with them. He’s unique and special.”

Earlier this week, Calipari asked Acuff if he’d miss the Alabama trip. “He said, ‘Are you nuts?'” the coach recalled with a laugh.

The Razorbacks showed grit despite the thin roster. Acuff’s near-heroics kept them in contention. With March looming, his form signals Arkansas as a potential SEC threat.