Calipari’s Arkansas Faces Off Against Kansas in March Madness Clash

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — March Madness is upon us, and the Kansas Jayhawks are gearing up for their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks, set for March 20, 2025, at 6:10 p.m. CT in Providence, Rhode Island. This encounter pits the Jayhawks, a No. 7 seed with a 21-12 record, against a No. 10 seed Razorbacks team boasting a 20-13 record, making it an intriguing contest for college basketball fans.

Entering the tournament, Kansas has made a name for itself in the Big 12 with a 12-10 conference record, complemented by an impressive 9-2 non-conference record. The Jayhawks thrive on ball movement, averaging 17.7 assists per game, a figure leading the Big 12. Dajuan Harris stands out with 5.7 assists per game, showing his importance to the team.

Meanwhile, the Razorbacks conclude the regular season with a 9-11 record in the SEC. Despite facing challenges, they have shown resilience, as recent performances suggest that Arkansas has found its rhythm. They rank sixth in the SEC for scoring in the paint, notably led by Adou Thiero, who averages 8.7 points per game. Thiero, however, will not be playing due to a knee injury, leaving a noticeable gap in the lineup for Arkansas.

In Jalen Williams’ absence, Arkansas has effectively adjusted its strategy. The Razorbacks shot at a solid rate of 46.6% from the field this season, relying heavily on teamwork, with D.J. Wagner stepping into a pivotal role. Wagner, averaging 12.6 points and four assists over his last ten games, will be one of the key players Kansas needs to contain.

Key performances from both teams lead us to examine individual players closely. Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson continues to shine, averaging 17.6 points and 10 rebounds per game. In contrast, Arkansas counters with players like Johnell Davis, shooting 32.2% from beyond the arc, averaging 11.2 points per game alongside 1.5 steals. With Dickinson’s size and Davis’ sharp shooting, the stage is set for a tactical showdown.

The last ten games tell a compelling story of both teams’ trajectory heading into the tournament. Kansas arrives with a mixed record of 5-5, averaging 75.2 points, while Arkansas boasts a slightly better performance at 6-4, averaging 75.7 points per game. Scoring has consistently been key for both squads, with Kansas making 7.4 three-pointers per game—only 0.2 fewer than the 7.6 they concede. Competitively, the history between Kansas and Arkansas adds flavor to this March Madness clash. The two teams previously faced off in an exhibition match earlier in the season, where both showcased their strengths and weaknesses.

The familiarity could play a role as both head coaches, Bill Self of Kansas and John Calipari of Arkansas, are no strangers to one another, having battled it out numerous times in their coaching careers. As the tournament unfolds, the coaching strategies of Self and Calipari will undoubtedly make headlines. Calipari, who has led multiple teams to success, including a national championship with Kentucky, opted to lead Arkansas after a tumultuous end to his tenure in Lexington.

His recent comments suggest a focus on survival in the tournament, stating, “At this time of the year, you’re not worried about ego or anything else. It is survive and advance.” This mindset will be tested as the Razorbacks navigate the challenges posed by Kansas.

Fans have high hopes for Arkansas’ advancement, especially considering their successful run in the tournament in previous years, having reached the Sweet 16 in each of their last three appearances. However, the exit of prominent players like Thiero leaves critics questioning their depth going into the first round. Analyst Jackson Fuller noted that Fland’s return should help when the offense gets stagnant, but it could also ruin some building chemistry.

The stakes are high as the Razorbacks prepare to face a formidable Kansas squad, one that has its targets honed in on both Thiero’s absence and Wagner’s potential as a major contributor. While Calipari notes the challenges ahead, he is also hopeful, aiming to lead the Razorbacks through this high-pressure phase of the season with the aim to achieve victory in their first matchup.

In an atmosphere where anything can happen, March Madness reflects the unpredictability that captivates basketball fans all over. Each possession can shift momentum, and a singular moment of brilliance from either team can lead to victory. Will Kansas maintain its shooting rhythm while probing weaknesses in Arkansas’ depleted lineup? Or will Arkansas, invigorated by its tenacity and coaching experience, edge out the Jayhawks even with injuries affecting their roster?

As fans eagerly await tipoff in Providence this Thursday, one thing remains certain: the Jayhawks and Razorbacks will put on a show that encapsulates the very essence of March Madness.