No. 8 Arkansas Topples Defending Champion No. 1 Kansas
The Razorbacks fought back from an eight-point halftime deficit to upset the West’s top seed.
Another No. 1 seed has fallen in the first week of the men’s NCAA tournament.
In a thrilling round of 32 contest in Des Moines, Iowa, No. 8-seed Arkansas stunned the world Saturday by knocking off defending champion Kansas, 72–71.
The Razorbacks fought their way back from a 35–27 halftime deficit to outscore the Jayhawks 45–36 in the second half in a contest that came down to the wire. Junior guard Davonte Davis and forward Ricky Council IV powered Arkansas to the upset win, with 25 and 21 points, respectively.
For Kansas, the hope of a repeat has now come to an end as the program will exit the West region to join Purdue as No. 1 seeds to lose before the Sweet 16. Star junior forward Jalen Wilson led the team with 20 points while sophomore forward K.J. Adams chipped in 14 points.
Saturday’s contest was the Jayhawks’ fifth straight game without coach Bill Self, who has been recovering from a health issue.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.