Just moments before the No. 4 seed Arkansas Razorbacks took care of business against No. 13 Hawaii in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, No. 5 Wisconsin was victim of an upset to No. 12 High Point on the same court at Moda Center, but Vegas oddsmakers don't expect the Hogs to suffer that same fate to the mid-major madness maker.
The Razorbacks never even had a threat of an upset on Thursday in their 97-78 win against Hawaii. The Badgers, however, ultimately fell 83-82 to end their season and leave High Point waiting in the second round for the Razorbacks. Once that second-round matchup was settled, FanDuel immediately opened Arkansas as an 11.5-point favorite over High Point when they meet on Saturday.
Razorbacks open as double-digit favorites over High Point
Obviously the Razorbacks have a lot more talent than High Point and are more battle-tested coming from the SEC compared to the Big South, but there's still reason for Vegas oddsmakers to question Arkansas after witnessing the Panthers take down Wisconsin and be in control most of the game.
Arkansas is led by freshman Darius Acuff Jr., who's right-hand man is fellow freshman Meleek Thomas. That inexperience can often spell trouble for big-time programs in March Madness chaos. However, the freshman duo combined for 45 points and were Arkansas' two leading scorers in the Razorbacks' first-round win. That unwavering confidence even in their March Madness debut should instill faith in anyone who penciled in Arkansas to the Sweet 16 in their brackets.
Oddsmakers also took notice and didn't show any concern for Arkansas, even going up against a mid-major squad already proving to be capable of an upset. However, High Point did earn some more respect from Vegas on Thursday.
Despite Wisconsin being seeded a spot below Arkansas, the Badgers were slightly bigger favorites over High Point in the first round. The Panthers were 13.5-point underdogs before knocking off Wisconsin. However, not only did Vegas notice High Point's performance, but it also made Arkansas more aware of what it will be going up against on Saturday in Portland, Oregon, to make sure the Razorbacks don't share the same destiny as home-bound Wisconsin.