# Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball season start > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/arkansas-razorbacks-mens-basketball-season-start > Updated: 2026-11-04T02:06:15.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3. The No. 12 Arkansas Razorbacks began their 2026–27 season with a 106-61 victory over the UA-Pine Bluff Golden Lions at Bud Walton Arena. This matchup marked the first time the two programs have met in men’s basketball. Arkansas established dominance early with a 25-0 run. Jeremiah Wilkinson led the team with 23 points, while freshman Jordan Smith Jr. contributed 20 points in his collegiate debut. The Razorbacks’ freshmen accounted for 65 of the team's 106 total points. The team shot 55 percent from the floor and secured a 19-2 run in the second half to finalize the win. This victory follows a preseason period where head coach John Calipari focused on improving free throw accuracy and rebounding consistency. Following the opener, Arkansas is scheduled to play No. 9/10 Virginia in Washington, D.C., on November 8. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-04: Arkansas men's basketball wins season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff No. 12 Arkansas defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 106-61 in their season opener, led by Jeremiah Wilkinson's 23 points. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arkansas-mens-basketball-wins-season-opener-against-arkansas-pine-bluff ### 2026-11-03: Arkansas Razorbacks face UA-Pine Bluff in season opener The No. 12/13 Arkansas Razorbacks host the UA-Pine Bluff Golden Lions on November 3 for their 2026–27 season opener. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arkansas-razorbacks-face-ua-pine-bluff-in-season-opener ### 2026-10-29: Arkansas Razorbacks prepare for season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff No. 12 Arkansas prepares to open their season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, focusing on free throw shooting and roster integration following two exhibition wins. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arkansas-razorbacks-prepare-for-season-opener-against-arkansas-pine-bluff --- Cite as: Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball season start. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/arkansas-razorbacks-mens-basketball-season-start