With all eyes on Providence, Arkansas and Kansas gave the country a show they had waited on all day. But it was the Razorbacks who came out victorious, 79-72, and giving John Calipari his first tournament win with the Hogs.
Arkansas basketball vs Kansas: NCAA Tournament round one
The first half consisted of one haymaker after another, with both teams hitting clutch shots. Jonas Aidoo was exactly what Arkansas fans thought they were receiving out of Tennessee. He returned to the same player that led the Volunteers to an Elite Eight run, draining eight shots for 16 first-half points. DJ Wagner couldn't miss either, going 5/7 from the field for 12 points.
Kansas' offensive plan was to go through their star big man, Hunter Dickinson, who knocked down three of the Jayhawks' first four baskets, including a three-pointer from the 28 percent shooter. However, it was Zeke Mayo who stole the show. The Jayhawks' second-leading scorer was perfect from the floor (4/4) but drained three from deep for 13 points.
Arkansas led going into half 47-44, but when the teams returned to the court, the game took a 180-degree turn. Defense was the new name of the game.
Kansas switched up its philosophy when the Hogs had the ball, playing zone for much of the second period. The Jayhawks aren't known for zone defense, but when Arkansas jumped to an 11-point lead in the first three minutes and 11 seconds of the half, it drove Bill Self to try something else, and it worked. It stalled the Razorbacks' offense for nearly 10 minutes, allowing Kansas to go on a 16-9 run.
However, with 1:47 left and Arkansas up by one, Johnell Davis hit a three-point shot, which felt like a dagger with how hard it was to come by points in the last 20 minutes. With no other option, Kansas resulted in desperation fouls, where Arkansas took advantage of every opportunity.
Say it with us: IT'S KANSAW NOW pic.twitter.com/HOjaOHLQJW
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) March 21, 2025
One player who might not pop out on the box score was Arkansas freshman Boogie Fland. But, for someone who was thought to be lost for the season, his effort was outstanding on the defensive side of the ball. He was a nuisance against Kansas, playing for 24 minutes fresh off an injury.
On Saturday, the Hogs will play the winner of St. John's and Omaha, which plays on CBS, following Arkansas and Kansas' game.