DES MOINES, Iowa – Kansas’ worst fears for the Jayhawks’ second-round NCAA Tournament matchup with Arkansas came true. As a result, the Jayhawks are no longer defending last year’s title.
Kansas, the top seed in the West, fell to the Razorbacks 72-71. Arkansas, the region’s eighth seed, advances to the Sweet 16. Kansas becomes the second No. 1 seed in this year’s tournament, falling after Purdue.
Since the NCAA expanded the tournament field in 1985, only three times have more No. 1 seeds not reached the Sweet 16 before this year: 2000, 2004 and 2018.
The Jayhawks were concerned heading into the game about the length, depth and athleticism of the Razorbacks. Sure enough, Arkansas mounted a furious second-half rally after trailing by as many as 12 points.
Arkansas guard Davonte Davis put on a spectacular show in the second half. When Arkansas’ two leading regular-season scorers, Ricky Council IV and Nick Smith Jr., struggled, Davis carried his team. He was 7-of-9 shooting and 6-of-7 from the free throw line for 21 points in the second half.
Davis fouled out with 1:56 left and the Razorbacks down 64-63. The council took over from there. He made a stepback jumper and five layups to send the Jayhawks home.