In a dramatic Sweet 16 matchup, Texas Tech rallied from a 16-point deficit to stun Arkansas 85-83 in overtime on March 27 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The turning point came when Darrion Williams knocked down a three-pointer with 9.7 seconds left in regulation, erasing Arkansas’ lead and forcing overtime.
What looked like a sure Razorbacks win slipped away, sparking criticism from fans over guard DJ Wagner’s late-game decision-making.
DJ Wagner’s Critical Moments That Changed Everything
Social media lit up after Wagner took heavily contested shots at the end of both regulation and overtime—departing from the ball movement that had helped Arkansas control much of the game.
The Razorbacks led by as many as 16 and held a 72-69 edge in the closing seconds of regulation. But Williams’ clutch three evened the score, sending the game into overtime and silencing a pro-Arkansas crowd.
Too many words and not enough characters but just in the last two minutes:
1. Arkansas, why are you switching every Williams ball screen when they continuously abused it
2. Why is DJ Wagner not only taking one, but two of the worst shots with game on the line (regulation and OT)— Michael Coggeshall (@Mwcoggs) March 28, 2025
In the extra period, both teams traded scores before Williams delivered again—this time with a layup that gave Texas Tech an 85-83 lead with seven seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Wagner opted for a long step-back two that missed. Texas Tech grabbed the rebound and sealed the win, advancing to the Elite Eight.
Arkansas Fan Frustration Boils Over
Arkansas fans didn’t hold back in expressing frustration—especially with Wagner’s final shot.
If Wagner shoots that with 2 or 3 on the clock Arkansas had orbd position
— Brian Skelly (@Skellabrine) March 28, 2025
“Why is DJ Wagner not only taking one, but two of the worst shots with game on the line?” one user wrote.
Some questioned head coach John Calipari’s decision not to call a timeout before the final play, particularly after having drawn up successful looks earlier.
That was just such a bad possession for Arkansas. I usually like just going, but I’d have called a timeout when Wagner had the ball at the three point line with 3.5 left
— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) March 28, 2025
“That was just such a bad possession for Arkansas. I usually like just going, but I’d have called a timeout when Wagner had the ball at the three-point line with 3.5 left,” one fan posted.
Others lamented the lack of ball movement in crunch time.
I know Arkansas players are furious with Wagner no ball movement or attempt to pass the ball just hero ball
— Tj (@Coachthompsont) March 28, 2025
“I know Arkansas players are furious with Wagner. No ball movement or attempt to pass the ball, just hero ball,” one supporter wrote.
“Arkansas had rebounding position but couldn’t capitalize due to Wagner’s poor timing,” another added.
The emotional letdown came despite a standout showing from Johnell Davis, who led all scorers with 30 points on 8-of-17 shooting and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. Davis helped anchor Arkansas during its dominant stretches, but the late collapse ultimately overshadowed his performance.
For Razorbacks fans, the loss will be hard to shake—especially given how close the team came to an Elite Eight appearance.
Twice !!! Wagner is trash ! Give up the Rock
— That 1 Guy (@That1GuyT) March 28, 2025
As one fan summarized the mood — “Twice!!! Wagner is trash! Give up the Rock.”
KEEP READING: After “Lazy” Analysis, Grant McCasland States Game-Changing Advice to Elijah Hawkins in Texas Tech Win
Arkansas’ Sweet 16 trip ended in defeat and also knocked out the last remaining double-digit seed from the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
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