Photo gallery: The pre-game fireworks in Knoxville were a preface of what Vols did to Arkansas

Is that fire Arkansas’ NCAA Tournaments chances going up in smoke? Not likely, but it’s possible.

The flames that served as pre-cursor to the Tennessee basketball team entering the court Tuesday night in Knoxville were the perfect prelude to what the Volunteers did to Arkansas.

The Razorbacks, in need of a win to feel confident about their NCAA Tournament chances, never led against Tennessee. The Vols dominated Arkansas in every facet, especially the interior, as the country’s best defensive team made the Hogs look like Tourney wannabes in a 75-57 win.

Arkansas now faces its season finale against Kentucky at home on Saturday sitting at 19 wins (20 is the common mark of a NCAA Tournament team) and a game below .500 in SEC play.

The Razorbacks are by no means out of the NCAA Tournament and may not even need a win against the Wildcats to clinch such a spot. But after Tuesday’s debacle, they sure would feel better getting one.