The Arkansas Razorbacks are heading to the Elite 8. One of the best offensive teams in the country was held to 37.5% from the field and only 23.8% from three by a tough and scrappy Razorbacks team.

Gonzaga got some bad breaks with Chet Holmgren being in foul trouble the whole game. Arkansas managed to keep the lead to be in the 6-10 point range for most of the second half, including making the lead 8 off a nice three pointer from the corner by Trey Wade. However, Gonzaga made a last ditch chance to catch up. Andrew Nembhard hit a circus type three pointer to cut the lead to 3 with 16 seconds to play.

Chris Lykes hit two free throws to extend the lead to 5, and then there was a moment that really summarized the game. Nembhard drove to the basket and Au’Diese Toney came from behind for a massive block to seal the victory.

Congratulations to Arkansas for being the first team to advance to the Elite 8. Also, congratulations to Villanova, who held off Michigan by 8. I wish I could tell you more but because of some of the officiating (was it really necessary to go to video review on a ball that clearly went off the Arkansas player’s leg), despite starting 20 minutes after the Gonzaga game, there was only 40 seconds left in the Villanova game and the lead was already 8. So, we watched Villanova hold on for a minute and the Wildcats advance to the South Region.

It probably makes sense that Arkansas won. In my sane picks, I had Texas Tech. In my insane picks, I had Gonzaga. And in my second chance picks, I had Duke. So, is it any surprise that Arkansas won this game? Probably not. I said going into the tournament that the Big East looked weak compared to the other power conferences. So, is it any surprise that Villanova won this game? Probably not.

Still, Arkansas and Villanova deserve a ton of credit – they are dancing into the weekend.