PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In a thrilling upset, the Arkansas Razorbacks, seeded 10th, triumphed over the 7th-seeded Kansas Jayhawks 79-72 during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amica Mutual Pavilion on March 20, 2025. Under the guidance of coach John Calipari, the Razorbacks showcased their resilience by overcoming a late-game deficit to secure their spot in the tournament, thus improving their season record to 21-13.
With this victory, Arkansas advances to the next round, where they will clash with the winner of the match between 15th-seeded Omaha and second-seeded St. John’s on March 22, 2025. The Razorbacks’ win is particularly significant for Kansas, marking only their third first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament over the last 44 years. The Jayhawks’ previous early exit from the tournament occurred back in 2006, when they suffered a similar fate against 13th-seeded Bradley.
The game unfolded dramatically, with Arkansas initially enjoying a comfortable 11-point lead in the second half. However, the Jayhawks rallied back to take a 67-64 lead with just under five minutes left, fueled by a spirited performance from senior forward KJ Adams, who had 13 points before exiting the game due to injury with 3:10 left to play. Following Adams’ departure, Kansas faltered, allowing Arkansas to capitalize on their missteps and close the game with a decisive 15-5 run.
Nelly Davis, a transfer from Florida Atlantic, played a pivotal role in the Razorbacks’ victory, scoring 18 points. His pivotal three-pointer with 1:47 remaining gave Arkansas a critical 71-67 lead, and he concluded the game with a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the final minute. It was his experience in high-stakes games that proved invaluable for an Arkansas team that had half of its eight-man rotation untested in the postseason.
Calipari’s leadership shone bright as he not only surpassed Kansas coach Bill Self, earning his 58th career NCAA Tournament victory, but also leveled his tournament record against Self to 2-1. Previously, Self’s Jayhawks had triumphed over Calipari-coached Memphis in the thrilling 2008 national title game and suffered defeat against Calipari-coached Kentucky in the 2012 championship.
Arkansas forward Jonas Aidoo started the game for the first time since January 25 against Oklahoma, contributing significantly against Kansas' All-American center, Hunter Dickinson, who scored 11 points but vanished in the second half with no further points. The first half was a high-energy showdown, with the teams trading leads and showcasing their skills, resulting in Arkansas leading 47-44 at halftime.
The Razorbacks played an aggressive game early on, and D.J. Wagner's three-point play at the 15:52 mark created a 12-5 lead. Kansas struggled defensively, facing challenges from Arkansas’ varied offensive strategies, but soon fought back to tie the game 14-14 before trading blows throughout the half. Zeke Mayo emerged as a notable player for the Jayhawks, finishing the half with 13 points, including three made three-pointers on the night.
In the second half, Arkansas quickly re-established their lead, showcasing shooting prowess with Aidoo and Davis connecting on back-to-back baskets. While Kansas enjoyed a momentary resurgence by cutting the lead to a single point, they could not maintain momentum, particularly after Adams’ injury incidence shifted the game’s tide. Following this, Arkansas seized the opportunity to secure their victory by closing the match with a string of successful free throws and clutch plays.
After the game, social media buzzed with reactions to Dickinson’s performance. His inability to score in the second half left many questioning his status as Kansas's star player, dubbing him a liability under pressure. One frustrated fan expressed, “Hunter Dickinson has gotta be the most overrated college basketball player in the last decade,” reflecting the sentiments of Jayhawks fans grappling with their team’s defeat.
As the Razorbacks move on, they aim to continue their momentum against a strong contender in the next round. Currently riding the high of breaking Kansas's postseason expectations, they exemplify the spirit of March Madness, proving that anything can happen in the world of collegiate basketball.
With this historic win, Arkansas improved to 9-5 in their last 14 games, significantly bouncing back from an initial struggle of starting SEC play at 0-5. As for Kansas, disappointment lingers as they look back on a season filled with potential, now cut short and marked by an early upset in the tournament.
