Salvaging the Regular Season
I'll start by stating this: It's not over.
Yes, Arkansas' loss in Lexington is discouraging considering how well they played this past Wednesday, but realistically, keep in mind this general idea of surviving the conference season in a "power" conference.
Take care of business at home and aim for .500 or better on the road. Obviously it's easier said than done but for the most part Arkansas has managed to do that believe it or not.
They're 4-0 at home... but 3-5 on the road in the SEC. The good news is they have 2 road games left, Alabama & Ole Miss.
Do the simple math: win out and they're .500 on the road and have a chance to finish undefeated at home. (Vandy & Auburn)
Here's a nice sugar-coated dose of optimism on why they'll at least win their remaining road games.
Alabama: Lost 3 out of their last 4 and don't see them winning AT Auburn on Sunday.
Ole Miss: Snapped 2-game losing streak against MSU but still have lost 4 out of their last 6. (One of those wins coming against 2-23 Presbyterian College)
Ehh, okay so maybe these aren't exactly amazing statistics. But basically Arkansas still controls it's own destiny in terms of making a good impression for the NCAA selection committee.
Barring a monumental breakdown, I do believe Arkansas will make the big dance. But for a team with this much inconsistency, especially on the road, anything worse than 8-seed will probably be another first round exit.
Yes, Arkansas' loss in Lexington is discouraging considering how well they played this past Wednesday, but realistically, keep in mind this general idea of surviving the conference season in a "power" conference.
Take care of business at home and aim for .500 or better on the road. Obviously it's easier said than done but for the most part Arkansas has managed to do that believe it or not.
They're 4-0 at home... but 3-5 on the road in the SEC. The good news is they have 2 road games left, Alabama & Ole Miss.
Do the simple math: win out and they're .500 on the road and have a chance to finish undefeated at home. (Vandy & Auburn)
Here's a nice sugar-coated dose of optimism on why they'll at least win their remaining road games.
Alabama: Lost 3 out of their last 4 and don't see them winning AT Auburn on Sunday.
Ole Miss: Snapped 2-game losing streak against MSU but still have lost 4 out of their last 6. (One of those wins coming against 2-23 Presbyterian College)
Ehh, okay so maybe these aren't exactly amazing statistics. But basically Arkansas still controls it's own destiny in terms of making a good impression for the NCAA selection committee.
Barring a monumental breakdown, I do believe Arkansas will make the big dance. But for a team with this much inconsistency, especially on the road, anything worse than 8-seed will probably be another first round exit.
posted by John Laws at 5:27 PM
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