2015 NCAA Tournament: Kentucky, Arkansas Left to Carry SEC Torch in Round of 32

The NCAA Tournament is headed into the Round of 32, and only the Kentucky Wildcats and Arkansas Razorbacks were able to survive out of the five SEC entrants.

After the Georgia Bulldogs fell to the Michigan State Spartans on Friday, there were but two SEC teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament, with Ole Miss and LSU being dismissed during Thursday’s action. Obviously the Wildcats are the favorite to win the tournament, but how far can Arkansas go?

The No. 5 seed Razorbacks are taking on the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday night. North Carolina got a scare from Harvard, and barely escaped, and the same could be said for Arkansas and their tough game against Wofford.

The Razorbacks’ full-court-pressing game, and their ability to create turnovers and force mistakes is going to be a nightmare for the Tar Heels. Roy Williams wants to keep the game at a slower pace, and methodically beat his opponents. This Tar Heels team isn’t built for a fast game and quick shots.

UNC turned the ball over 17 times against Harvard, creating 29 points for the Crimson. They do that against Arkansas, and it’s going to be on to the Sweet 16 for the Hogs.

Arkansas excels at creating turnovers, ranking seventh in the nation in turnover margin and creating 551 turnovers on the season. The Hogs can’t let North Carolina lull them to sleep.

As for Kentucky’s next stop towards immortality and a national championship, they must now take a big step up in competition (having fairly easily brushed aside Hampton) when they meet the Cincinnati Bearcats.

The Wildcats had a late night draw against Hampton, and now must jump into the mid-afternoon session against Cincy. Fatigue, both mental and physical, could become a factor in this game. Kentucky didn’t even get back to their rooms until after 2:00 am.

Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Wofford Terriers forward Lee Skinner (34) defends as Arkansas Razorbacks forward Bobby Portis (10) moves to the basket in the first half of a game in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

This could be an upset in the making if Kentucky doesn’t come out with some fresh legs and a lot of resolve. The Bearcats play a zone defense (and do it well) as well as being a team with size that likes to bang their opponents and keep things physical in the paint.

Kentucky may have the more talented roster, but Cincinnati has some players, as well as some motivation to spoiling the undefeated season and knocking out the tourney favorite in an early round. Hate to say it, but we have to put the Wildcats on upset alert before the opening tip-off.

Will any SEC teams emerge out of the Round of 32? We’ll say a good chance they both do, but of the two remaining, Kentucky should be the most concerned.

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