Win over LSU continues Arkansas’ rapid resurrection
After falling to No. 2 Alabama in a heartbreaker on Saturday, Arkansas regrouped and took down a hated rival in LSU on Wednesday.
The Razorbacks earned a 70-58 victory that could be described as revenge. On Jan. 14, LSU earned its lone win in SEC play thus far over Arkansas, winning 78-74 in Baton Rouge.
Even on a night when Arkansas’ offense was far from great, stifling defense and a 25-point performance from forward Zvonimir Ivisic led the Hogs to a much-needed victory.
After an 0-5 start in SEC play, the Razorbacks are 4-2 over their last six games and have seemingly turned the corner under head coach John Calipari. Road wins over Kentucky and Texas have been complimented by home triumphs over Georgia and LSU.
With seven games remaining in conference play, Arkansas is very much alive in the race to the NCAA Tournament. A tough road test against No. 8 Texas A&M looms on Saturday, with a road trip to No. 1 Auburn scheduled for Feb. 19.
In a year where the SEC is as competitive as it’s ever been, seven conference victories may be enough for Arkansas to find its way into March Madness. Two very winnable games remain on Arkansas’ schedule: a home matchup with Texas — who Arkansas beat in Austin earlier this month — on Feb. 26, and a March 1 road game against South Carolina, who is currently 0-11 in SEC play.
From there, a single win against the likes of No. 21 Missouri, No. 22 Mississippi State, No. 1 Auburn, No. 8 Texas A&M or Vanderbilt could be enough to send Calipari dancing in his first year in Fayetteville.
