PORTLAND, ORE. — Arkansas opens NCAA Tournament play Thursday against Big West champion Hawaii in a West Region matchup at Moda Center. The Razorbacks enter as a high-major team with SEC-tested physicality, while Hawaii arrives with momentum after winning its conference tournament and bringing a balanced, disciplined profile.
Arkansas’ athleticism and defensive pressure will be tested against a Hawaii team that plays efficiently and limits mistakes, setting up a contrast in pace and style.
Game Info
- Matchup: Hawaii vs. Arkansas
- Region: West Region
- Location: Moda Center — Portland, Oregon
- TV: TBS
- Tip Time: 3:25 PM CT / 4:25 PM ET (confirmed via broadcast listings and game previews)
- Vegas Line: Arkansas favored (double-digit range)
- Over/Under: ~140 range
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (13 Seed)
- Head Coach: Eran Ganot
- Mascot: Rainbow Warriors
- Record: 24–9 (2025–26 season)
- Conference Tournament Result: Won Big West Tournament
- Leading Scorer: Isaac Johnson — ~15 PPG (ESPN team stats)
Metrics (KenPom / advanced)
- Offensive Efficiency: Outside Top 100
- Defensive Efficiency: Around Top 100
- 3PT %: ~34–35%
Arkansas Razorbacks (4 Seed)
- Head Coach: Eric Musselman
- Mascot: Razorbacks
- Record: 24–9 (2025–26 season)
- Conference Tournament Result: Won SEC Tournament
- Leading Scorer: Darius Acuff Jr. — ~16 PPG (ESPN team stats)
Metrics (KenPom / advanced)
- Offensive Efficiency: Top 25–30 nationally
- Defensive Efficiency: Top 20 nationally
- 3PT %: ~35%
Matchup Breakdown
Arkansas holds a clear edge in overall efficiency and athleticism.
The Razorbacks bring a top-30 offense paired with a top-20 defense, giving them one of the more balanced profiles among No. 4 seeds. Their ability to pressure the ball, force turnovers, and score in transition is a major advantage against mid-major opponents.
Hawaii, meanwhile, earned its bid through discipline and execution, winning the Big West Tournament and playing a controlled style. The Rainbow Warriors do not beat themselves, but their offensive ceiling and overall efficiency metrics lag behind Arkansas.
The key factor is whether Hawaii can handle Arkansas’ defensive pressure. Turnovers and pace will likely determine how long this game stays competitive.
Prediction
- Pick: Arkansas advances
- Projected Score: Arkansas 75, Hawaii 62
Arkansas’ two-way efficiency, SEC battle-tested résumé, and athletic advantage align with a double-digit Vegas spread. While Hawaii’s structure and discipline could keep things competitive early, the Razorbacks’ defensive pressure and transition scoring should create separation in the second half.
The Hogs are hot. Back them.
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