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Arkansas Remains In Analyst’s Bracket Predictions

By Chris Jackson

Mar 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; General view of a march madness logo during practice the day before the semifinals of the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; General view of a march madness logo during practice the day before the semifinals of the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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After losses to Missouri and Vanderbilt, the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball hopes for the NCAA Tournament are still alive?

Arkansas Razorbacks basketball is on life support but there’s still a pulse according to some analysts. For many fans, however, the dreams of going to the dance died weeks ago but is there still a chance?

Arkansas’ tournament chances took a sharp dive after losing two in a row. It wasn’t just that they lost but who they lost to. After losing on a trip to Missouri, the Hogs came home and dropped another game to Vanderbilt.

After the Missouri loss, I wrote an article about what the Hogs must do in order to make the dance. What was the first thing on that list of must-happen events? That would’ve been beating Vanderbilt.

After that loss, I then wrote this article about the reality of Arkansas being left out of the NCAA Tournament this year or so it seemed at the time. Now, after a win on the road against LSU, some are saying there is still a possibility of Mike Anderson’s Razorbacks getting a bid.

So you’re telling me there’s a chance?

Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball
Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball /

Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball

The RPI Rankings, which do not solely determine the teams that make the tournament but are a good representation of where a team stands nationally, has Arkansas at tie at 43rd with UT Arlington. Arkansas even remaining in the top 50 is a good position to be in for post season hopes.

I’ve discussed multiple times the lack of a quality win for the Razorbacks. There may not be a big name in their win column but there are two top 50 RPI teams. The Razorbacks have beaten 43rd UT Arlington as well as 47th Tennessee.

So their RPI Ranking is still in a decent spot with these two top 50 ranking wins. I am obviously not saying they meet the criteria for a so-called “Signature win” but these two wins don’t hurt.

Like I do in most of my NCAA Tournament chances articles, I think we should also take a look at what ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi’s bracket looks like. Not only do I reference him because he is becoming an industry standard for predictions but he is Navy Seal sniper accurate with his picks.

Currently, on Lunardi’s bracket, which was updated on the day that I write this, Arkansas is at the 12 seed spot in the Midwest. He has it as either Seton Hall or Arkansas for that spot and playing the 5 seed Wisconsin. Arkansas is also in his “last four in” group which means that they will be one of the last four teams to receive an at-large bid to the tournament.

So although Arkansas has a couple terrible losses and mediocre wins, the Razorbacks still have a possibility to get in. It’s key that Arkansas finishes the regular season strong. Losses to Florida and South Carolina are expected but if they could split these two games, it would help tremendously. Woo pig.

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