The SEC has always been known for its unpredictability, especially on the football field. However, this season, the conference’s basketball landscape has been just as volatile, with upsets shaking up the standings week after week. Saturday was no different, as Arkansas pulled off a much-needed 92-85 win over Missouri, keeping their March Madness hopes alive.
Arkansas has shown flashes of strong play this season, but close games hadn’t translated into resume-boosting victories. The Razorbacks had been knocking on the door but couldn’t seem to break through against top competition. Fortunately, the SEC’s competitive depth continues to provide opportunities to secure Top 25 wins, and Arkansas took full advantage of their latest chance.
Missouri, coming off an eye-opening blowout victory over Alabama at Mizzou Arena, entered the game looking to extend their three-game winning streak. After weathering Arkansas’ early push, the Tigers took control and built a seven-point halftime lead, looking poised to pick up another big win.
However, the Razorbacks weren’t done yet. Struggling to create quality looks in the first half, Arkansas suddenly found their offensive rhythm. The turning point came when Zvonimir Ivisic and Johnell Davis drained back-to-back three-pointers, sparking a 16-4 run that flipped the momentum in Arkansas’ favor. Suddenly, Missouri’s defense, which had been holding strong, found itself scrambling to contain the hot-shooting Razorbacks.
Down the stretch, Arkansas leaned on its ability to close games. While the Razorbacks only managed two field goals in the final six minutes, they excelled at the free-throw line, converting critical opportunities to keep Missouri at bay. The Tigers, meanwhile, couldn’t regain their earlier rhythm, struggling to string together enough defensive stops to mount a comeback.
With the 92-85 victory, Arkansas not only snapped Missouri’s win streak but also significantly bolstered their NCAA Tournament résumé. The win moves the Razorbacks back on the right side of the tournament bubble, proving once again that in the SEC, nothing is guaranteed, and no team is ever truly safe.
As the March Madness selection process looms, Arkansas will need to build on this victory, but one thing is clear—when the SEC’s chaos unfolds, anything can happen, and the Razorbacks just made their case to be part of the madness.
