This game felt like three or four packed into one. Vermont bolted out early, looking like they were destined to pull the upset. Then Arkansas settled things down, used its athleticism to take control, and reeled off 7 straight points to lead 34-27 at the break.
The second half started just like the first with Vermont looking very much like a giant killer. They went on a 12-0 run to pull ahead 39-36 early in the second half. And jus like the first half, the Hogs worked to level the game at 48 before ultimately building a 9-point lead with 4:25 to play. Arkansas looked in control.
Then things got weird.
With a minute to play the Hogs still held a 4-point lead.
Then things got really weird.
A botched out of bounds call, a no-call on a Vermont travel followed quickly by an event sketchier foul call on Au’Diese Toney, and an even more surprising (because they got it right) review reversal that gave Arkansas the ball… The entire game was beyond the box!
What matters most is that the Hogs survived a frantic Vermont comeback to escape Buffalo’s KeyBank Center with a 75-71 win. They’ll face 12-seed New Mexico State on Saturday. The winner advances to the Sweet Sixteen.