March Madness classic: Arkansas upsets Kansas, fans and media react

The Arkansas Razorbacks (21-13; 8-10 SEC) and the Kansas Jayhawks (21-13; 11-9 Big 12) delivered college basketball fans a classic to appreciate and remember, although, admittedly, Bill Self and Jayhawk fans want to banish the game from their memory.

Dr. Antonio Daniels, an Arkansas Razorbacks beat writer at FanSided's Razorbackers and veteran sports editor and journalist, cautioned everyone about the promulgated odds against the Hogs defeating the Jayhawks, arguing that Arkansas already defeated Kansas in an exhibition game before the regular season started, had a considerable edge over Self's squad in athleticism, and would receive a significant boost from Boogie Fland's return, factors that did not seem to be given serious consideration in the analytics of prominent companies such as ESPN.   

Daniels contended that Arkansas could win if they moved the ball fluidly, avoided foul trouble, and made free throws, and, although the Hogs did not meet these challenges perfectly by any stretch of one's imagination, they ultimately met them.

Despite some foul trouble in the first half, the Razorbacks weathered the storm and took a 47-44 lead into halftime. With an eight-man rotation, not enough credit has been given to John Calipari and his players for surviving the first half and taking a three-point lead into halftime. Kansas could have taken advantage of that foul trouble to make it difficult for the Hogs to win the game in the second half. However, as Arkansas has demonstrated all season, it is resilient and found a way to meet that challenge.

After halftime, the Hogs came out on fire, delivering excellent offense and defense. However, Kansas slowed Arkansas down, especially when Self employed a zone defense. When Self used a zone defense against the Razorbacks, they stopped moving the ball fluidly and had limited offensive motion. Fortunately for Razorback Nation, the Hogs did enough to overcome the zone's impact. They hit some important shots, including a pivotal three-point shot by Johnell Davis, to secure a 79-72 upset victory over the Jayhawks.

According to ESPN, Arkansas made 17 of 20 free throws. In this close and competitive game, the Hogs would not have been able to win without making their free throws. Fans and media expressed on social media how thrilled they were with the Arkansas Razorbacks upsetting the Kansas Jayhawks in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.  

Social Media Reactions: Arkansas basketball vs. Kansas

WildSlobberingHog, an Arkansas fan, responded to some negativity from Barstool Kentucky, writing, "Cal lives rent free in Lexington still."

King, a Razorback fan, expressed praise for the Hogs' defensive performance against Hunter Dickinson in a creative way.

Bobby Bones, one of the most prominent Arkansas Razorbacks fans, celebrated the team's victory over Kansas in Vienna, Austria.

Brandi Romines, a Kentucky Wildcats fan, congratulated the Razorbacks.

Charlieboyspoppie, an Arkansas fan, was relieved that the Razorbacks won.

Hogtrough, a Razorback fan, was frustrated with the Hogs' performance against the Jayhawks' zone defense.

Steve Sullivan, an Arkansas KATV sportscaster, praised Jonas Aidoo and Trevon Brazile.

Rick B., a Hog fan, was excited about Arkansas's victory against Kansas.

Josh Teeter, an Arkansas Razorbacks fan with a large following on X/Twitter, shared his appreciation for the significant progress the Razorbacks have made.

Barstool Hogs, stated, "REFUSE TO LOSE! CAL AND THE HOGS ADVANCE."

Curtis Wilkerson, Managing Editor at Inside Arkansas, found the officiating problematic.

Pinto, an Arkansas Razorbacks fan with a large following on X/Twitter, expressed how proud he was of Trevon Brazile's performance.

RazorbackHobbs, an Arkansas fan, was displeased with the officiating.