FAYETTEVILLE - For the first time during their 1994-95 national runner-up season returning the starting five from their 1993-94 national championship team, the Arkansas Razorbacks have forged into Associated Press’ Top Ten of men’s basketball teams.
Coach Eric Musselman’s Razorbacks advanced from 12th to eighth in the AP rankings announced Monday.
Riding an 11-game SEC winning streak, the Razorbacks concluded their regular season 21-5 overall and second in the SEC at 13-4 which seeds them second into Friday’s quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament that starts Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.
Arkansas at 6 p.m. Friday on the SEC Network will play Thursday’s winner between Missouri and Georgia.
The tournament continues on ESPN with Saturday’s semifinals and Sunday’s championship game prior to the Selection Sunday announcement of the 68-team NCAA Tournament field.
In order, one to 10, Monday’s AP poll listed Gonzaga; Baylor; Illinois, Michigan; Iowa; SEC champion Alabama; Houston; Arkansas; Ohio State and West Virginia.
Nos. 11-20 in order listed Kansas; Oklahoma State; Texas; Villanova; Florida State; Virginia; Creighton; Loyola-Chicago; San Diego State and Texas Tech.