Razorbacks offensive lineman Brian Wallace has trimmed down and loves the faster-paced offense they have been working on in the spring.
Smith on defense having to keep pace with offense
Arkansas linebacker T.J. Smith talked with the media after Monday’s practice about how the new fast-paced offense is forcing the defense to go much faster, too.
Patton on how offense coming together
Hogs tight end talks about increased involvement of tight ends in all phases of new offense.
Bell on Hogs’ new defense, how he’s adjusting
Arkansas defensive lineman Jamario Bell likes his new role, John Chavis’ approach on defense.
Hogs get seventh seed; play Butler Friday in Detroit
Winning eight of their last 11 games, the Razorbacks (23-11) will open play on Friday against the No. 10 Butler Bulldogs (20-13) of the Big East Conference in the round of 64 in Detroit, Michigan. The winner advances to play No. 2 Purdue or No. 15 Cal State Fullerton.
The Razorbacks are a No. 7 seed for the second time in program history, holding an overall record of 0-1.
Coach Mike Anderson is making his ninth NCAA Tournament appearance in his 16th year as a head coach. He has a 9-8 record in the Big Dance, having advanced as far as the Elite Eight in 2008-09 during his days at Missouri.
Arkansas is making its 32nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament and its third appearance in a four-year span for the first time in 10 years.
The Razorbacks have won their opening game of the tournament in both years under Anderson, knocking off Wofford in 2015 and Seton Hall in 2017.
Arkansas is 42-31 all-time in its previous 31 appearances, including a 20-11 mark in its first game in the tournament.
Van Horn on comeback win over Kent State on Sunday
After Arkansas’ 11-4 win over Kent State to take the weekend series, Coach Dave Van Horn talked about the late explosion Sunday and the upcoming midweek games with Texas.
Arkansas comes up just short against No. 4 Commodores
FAYETTEVILLE — Despite Arkansas winning the doubles point and picking up wins over ranked opponents at the top two singles spots, No. 4 Vanderbilt edged the Razorbacks, 4-3, on Sunday afternoon at the George M. Billingsley Tennis Center.
“No question we showed today we can play with anyone in the nation,” head coach Michael Hegarty said. “Full credit to Vanderbilt who came up big in the clutch.”
The Razorbacks’ (5-7, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) No. 30 ranked pair of junior Ana Oparenovic and freshman Tatum Rice improved to 10-1 this spring with a 6-2 victory at the top doubles spot.
Sophomore Giulia Pairone and senior Mia Jurasic secured the opening point by beating Vanderbilt’s (11-2, 4-0 SEC) Fernanda Contreras and Summer Dvorak 6-3.
The Commodores leveled the match with a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 6 singles.
Arkansas reclaimed the lead when No. 87 Oparenovic picked up a 6-1, 6-2 win over No. 27 Christina Rosca.
Vanderbilt followed up with consecutive wins at No. 4 and 5 to go up 3-2.
No. 66 Pairone tied the contest when she downed No. 5 Contreras 6-3, 7-6 (4) for the highest-ranked win of her career. With the win, Pairone improved to 9-0 this spring.
The Commodores clinched the overall team victory with a win at the No. 3 spot.
Up Next
Arkansas will hit the road next week and play Thursday at LSU (4 p.m. CT) and Saturday at Texas A&M (noon CT).
