Joe Lunardi explains where Arkansas falls in Bracketology rankings

Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology got shaken up by some big games on Wednesday. He explained how Arkansas can help its own cause against LSU — and basically said the Razorbacks control their own destiny.

Heading into Wednesday’s slate of games, Lunardi had Arkansas as one of the No. 4 seeds in the NCAA tournament. However, thanks to some important games, the Razorbacks might be able to stay at that level as they head toward the SEC tournament. It turns out there’s a big difference between No. 15 seed Illinois and No. 16 seed Arkansas.

“It’s funny because on our seed list right now, the top 15 have separated from the next group, and Arkansas leads the next group at No. 16,” Lunardi said at halftime of the Razorbacks’ game against LSU. “So a home win tonight, if they’re able to pull it off here against LSU, is probably just going to keep them as the last of the four seeds.

“I don’t think it’s going to leap-frog anyone, but it would certainly give them some cushion over some of the teams right behind them, which include UConn, [which is] losing at Creighton [and] Alabama, [which] lost at home to Texas A&M. So this is a good night for Arkansas if they can protect their home court and come up with a win.”

At the time, Arkansas and LSU were tied 35-35 at the break. But LSU came out on a 7-0 run after the break to take a second-half lead.

Eric Musselman states his case about Arkansas to AP poll voters after beating Kentucky

Arkansas is on a roll and playing strong basketball heading down the final stretch of the regular season. After getting off to a 9-0 start to the season and then losing five of their next six games, the Razorbacks have regrouped – and in a big way – as they’ve now won 13 of their last 14 outings.

Fresh off a 75-73 win over No. 6 ranked Kentucky on Saturday, Arkansas – which is now 23-6 overall and 12-4 in SEC play – was ranked No. 18 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll prior to its last two victories over Florida and Kentucky.

Now, heading into the final week of the regular season, the Razorbacks are undoubtedly going to climb up the AP poll – but how far will they go? To head coach Eric Musselman, he feels that his Arkansas team is worthy of a ranking inside the top-10.

“I mean, I do, but you’ve gotta watch games,” Musselman said when asked if Arkansas is top-10 worthy. “If you’re voting and stuff, you’ve gotta turn on your TV and study stats. I mean, we’ve beat Kentucky, we’ve beat Auburn, we’ve beat Tennessee, we’ve gone on the road and won some big games. … So, I think right now at this junction we’re playing really well.”