Tight March Madness Matchup: Arkansas Beats Kansas 79-72

John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks have advanced in the NCAA Tournament, defeating Kansas 79-72 in a highly anticipated matchup between coaching legends Calipari and Bill Self. Jonas Aidoo led the charge for 10th-seeded Arkansas, scoring 22 points, while Johnell Davis contributed 18, including crucial late free throws.

This victory marks Calipari’s first tournament win with Arkansas and ends Kansas’s impressive streak of first-round wins, which had lasted since 2006. The game was a tense affair, with Kansas erasing an 11-point deficit and briefly taking the lead in the second half. However, Arkansas rallied, making key plays down the stretch to secure the win.

Calipari emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “We have to rely on everyone. When you’re down in numbers, everyone’s got to help you.” He also highlighted the team’s ability to make crucial free throws and timely shots.

Arkansas will now face No. 2 seed St. John’s, coached by Rick Pitino, in the second round. Kansas, despite the loss, remains a powerhouse program, with coach Self expressing his belief that the team is not in decline.
The game also featured the return of Arkansas freshman Boogie Fland, who scored six points after recovering from thumb surgery.