NCAA Basketball: Kansas State, Providence on the rise on latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
12. Arkansas (12-3)
Good times have come to Fayetteville in recent years as Eric Musselman’s program keeps churning out high-level talent and impressive seasons. This year’s team looks just as talented, with players like Ricky Council IV and Anthony Black playing major roles, a unity of freshmen and transfers to build this tough team. The Razorbacks have certainly not been perfect this year, but remain a top team in the game.
On Wednesday, they got another ranked win with a 74-68 win against Missouri at home. Council really stood out with his 25 points and 7 rebounds in the win, while Joseph Pinion added 13 points off the bench. The weekend was far less kind to the Razorbacks, who fell 72-59 on the road against Auburn. They shot just 34% from the field in taking another tough road loss, though Black’s 23-pont effort was a highlight.
Arkansas has lost their first two road games in SEC play, certainly not the start they were looking for after a good start to the season. Still, this defense plays tough ball and there’s a lot of talent here; Arkansas will contend for the conference crown even after a 1-2 start. Next week they get a major chance against Alabama at home before a more winnable road game at Vanderbilt.