In or Out?

After the Arkansas Razorbacks’ ugly road loss to Alabama on Wednesday and third straight return trip to the NCAA Tournament appeared dicey at best.

But thanks to the Hogs’ 78-73 upset of No. 18 Vanderbilt Saturday, the ESPN experts say the Hogs need to polish up their dancing shoes.

ESPN Gameday analysts Hubert Davis, Digger Phelps and Jay Bilas each said the Razorbacks would be selected to the field of 64 if it were picked today.

Davis noted that the Hogs, now 19-9 overall and 8-6 in SEC play, noted that the Razorbacks have seven wins over top 50 teams, an RPI of 44 prior to upsetting Vandy and an over .500 record in a power conference.

Filed under: Arkansas Basketball by Terry Wood. Posted on: March 2, 2008 at 12:57 am

6 Responses to “In or Out?”

  1. ohiohawg, on March 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm Said:

    As much as I would like to see that I think this may be a bit premature! INCONSISTENCY rules again this year and not being able win on the road hurts! Personally, I believe they will have to go deep into the SEC Tourney to be really considered (along with winning their remaining games)…..It’s really getting old being in this situation year after year as this resembles the same old story over and over!

  2. dwp007, on March 2nd, 2008 at 7:04 pm Said:

    I agree, ohio. These guys, the seniors, continue to be soft mentally and physically. There is no way they should lose to some of these teams, on the road or otherwise.

    In my opinion, PEL will cure the problem as soon as he gets his own players, starting next year. He also has some very talented [incoming] home bred guys and will instill a different [and tougher] mindset.

    I would love to see the seniors win out, but would be very surprised, given their ongoing tendencies to play “me” rather than “we” ball - deeply developed during Stan Heath’s watch.

  3. mrdeh, on March 2nd, 2008 at 8:20 pm Said:

    I believe Arkansas will lose a close one to Ole Miss and win srong against Auburn, They should win at least one in the tourament maybe two. They will not go far in yhe big dance, maybe two games.
    But GOO HOGS

  4. friscohawg, on March 3rd, 2008 at 8:57 am Said:

    mrdeh, I agree, except, I believe we will beat Ole Miss and lose to the pesky Auburn team, therefore perpetuating the drama of our fate in the big dance. I competely agree with the comments made that we are soft and it shows on the road. That’s where character and toughness are shown, is on the road. We will need to win two in the SEC tourney to have any chance and any confidence going into the big dance. Go Hogs! ….please surprise me!!!

  5. distanthog, on March 3rd, 2008 at 12:58 pm Said:

    the question was will the Hogs go to the tourney. I say yes - assuming they win at least one game of the remaining two. 20 wins, a record above 500 in the conference and a 2nd place finish in an SEC division means tourney. No way those three items equal non-selection. If for no other that the SEC has little else to offer it.
    I see the HOGs as dangerous in the Dance - if they find ANY heart, they certainly have the talent to go to the sweet-16. Past performance suggests however that they lack the heart to carry them over any adversity in the first two rounds.

    DH

  6. The Bubble Trough « Hawg Blawg, on March 6th, 2008 at 9:17 am Said:

    […] safe (a loss at Ole Miss would hurt badly) but I think they’re chances are improving. ESPN seems to agree. Here’s an Interview with Former Hog Pat Bradley looking back at the season so far […]

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