John Calipari calls out SEC for making Arkansas play at 11 a.m. after late Tuesday game

Arkansas won a major game for its NCAA Tournament resume on Tuesday night, securing a late-night victory over Vanderbilt. But after the game, coach John Calipari had a bone to pick.

He put the SEC in the crosshairs. More specifically, he went after the league’s scheduling practices.

Arkansas tipped off against Vanderbilt on Tuesday night at 10 p.m. ET. It’ll then tip off against Mississippi State on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.

“Guys, we had to win the game, you know what I’m saying,” Calipari said. “We won this one. Now hopefully we’ll show up for an 11 o’clock game. So they’re sending us home at 3 in the morning and we play an 11 a.m. game. I know they’ve done that to other teams in the league. Noooooooot.”

In any case, Arkansas needs to keep winning to ensure its spot in the NCAA Tournament. It’s not a guarantee right now.

ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi currently has Arkansas as one of the last four teams in the field. He revealed that on the ESPN network of families on Tuesday night, following the results of several key games.

Lunardi compared Arkansas’ resume to Oklahoma‘s, offering a look at some of the differences. It was revealing.

“I think Arkansas does (have a better chance to make the tournament) because they’re a better basketball team,” he said. “They’re also in the field right now whereas Oklahoma, whether it’s poor play or just buzzard’s luck, has had a lot of things go against them. Arkansas’ wins are bigger and more recent.

“But again, road game tonight. Tough place to play at Vanderbilt. I think that we’re seeing desperation from the teams that are out versus teams that are solidly in. Maybe that’s why Texas is winning and also why Arkansas can smell a bit of a road upset themselves.”

Having secured that road upset, now Arkansas can begin to prepare for a showdown with a ranked Mississippi State squad. The game will be played at Bud Walton Arena.