NCAA Basketball top 25 power rankings: Marquette rises, UCLA and Wisconsin fall
By Joey Loose
25. Arkansas (18-5)
On a roll in recent weeks, Arkansas has found itself on a bit of a hot streak, bringing them back into the rankings. The Razorbacks know that the SEC is a tough league, and while this team isn’t quite as talented or successful as last year’s, they can still make their mark on the next few months. The Razorbacks had a terrible stretch just over a month ago, but things are looking good in Fayetteville right now.
This week, things got started in style, with a big 99-73 road win over Georgia. They shot the ball exceptionally well, getting 31 points from Stanley Umude and 23 from JD Notae in an impressive effort. Their winning streak hit eight games this week, taking care of Mississippi State in a 63-55 win at home. Defense played a bigger role this time, though Notae’s 14 points were certainly needed as well.
Arkansas has now not only won eight straight, but improved their SEC record to 7-3 after dropping their first three conference games. That streak hasn’t been against the toughest opponents in the conference, but does include a big win at LSU just three weeks ago. Unfortunately, the remaining schedule is extremely difficult, starting next week with a home date with Auburn and a road trip to Alabama; and that’s just the beginning.