On the Bubble? Arkansas 82, Vanderbilt 74
by Stephen Expat on Jan 31, 2012 10:57 PM CST
in Arkansas Razorback Basketball
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PrintBefore tonight's victory over Vanderbilt, ESPN analyst and former Razorback walk-on Jimmy Dykes tweeted the following:
Arkansas with a shot to pick up 3rd top 40 RPI win tonite vs Vandy. Are they playing their way into NCAA's...
In my highly unbiased opinion, yes, yes they are. Most likely, they will need to go undefeated at home (they're 16-0 in Bud after tonight's win), snag a road win or two, and win an SEC Tournament game to get a ticket to the dance (I can't believe I just typed that - I've always hated that phrase) but all of those things are real possibilities.
I didn't think an NCAA bid likely before the season, when Marshawn Powell was still healthy. That Arkansas is having this kind of season without him is impressive and fun as hell to watch.
As for tonight's contest, it was another big game for Rickey Scott, who led the team with 18 points and also grabbed five rebounds. The gritty Julysses Nobles added 17 points The evening even brought the first game appearance of backup Razorback quarterback Brandon Mitchell.
Before we all go back to obsessing about the soon-to-be-announced college choice of a certain Springfield, Mo., wide receiver, chime in with your thoughts about tonight's game and the Hogs' NCAA chances.
WPS!
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This is a great time to be a razorback fan
TV Journalist Chris Hanson is a cockblocker
by rocket8188 on Jan 31, 2012 11:10 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Truly the best game I think they have played all year against the most complete team they have played except Kentucky, and possibly UConn. Is it just me or does Scott remind anyone else just a bit of Sidney Moncrief? At least in terms of inside toughness. Dance or no dance this year, I’m really looking forward to the next three as these guys grow up and Anderson brings in some more help.
Scott is awesome
and when we are dialed-in, we can shoot. Our passing was very good last night with frequent drives and then dishes out to wing. Only 8 turnovers is good.
In a week in which Lebron jumped over someone and Blake Griffin poster-ized Perkins, Phil …er… Hunter Mickelson now has a similar highlight!
Last night was fairly typical: Hog Freshman: 40% of points, Hog Soph: 34%, Nobles (Jr)=21% of points, Sanchez (Sr)=5%. The future is bright. At the same time, I can imagine it is a little painful for Mike to look north at his excellent, top-5, former team.
Go Hogs!
Right Now
I don’t understand how anyone could say Arkansas isn’t in. When you look around college basketball right now they easily make it, in my opinion. The only thing that could hurt them is if Creighton, Harvard, Saint Mary, and San Diego State lose in their conference tournament. Even then, barring a total collapse down the stretch I think they are in. My Hoosiers were 4-5 in the Big Ten and considered a lock, I think you guys don’t have anything to worry about.
GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!
looking at the schedule
the rest of the road games are games that the Hogs should be able to win. The season finale at Mississippi State would be the most difficult remaining.
Feb 4 – @ LSU (12-9/2-5) should be a win
Feb 8 – @ UGA (10-10/1-5) should be a win
Feb 11 vs South Carolina (9-11/1-5) home game + should be a win
Feb 15 @ Tenn (10-12/2-5) should be a win
Feb 18 vs #11 Florida (17-4/5-1) most difficult game remaining, home game
Feb 23 vs Alabama (14-7/3-4) home game + should win
Feb 25 @ Auburn (12-9/2-5) should be a win
Feb 28 vs OleMiss (14-7/4-3) Last home game of the season + should win
Mar 3 – @ #19 MSU (17-5/4-3) most difficult road game
If this team wins the “should win” then that gets them to 23 wins (yes that would be adding four road wins) and they do something magical like going undefeated in Bud Walton (that would mean beating ranked Florida) then they should very well be in the conversation about going to the tourney.
"I solemnly swear to tell the truth as I know it, the whole truth as I believe it to be, and nothing but what I think you need to know."
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