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4d ago

Calipari Calls for Fix to Sunday Finals After Arkansas’ SEC Title and Rapid NCAA Turnaround

Calipari says Sunday conference finals leave SEC teams at a disadvantage ahead of Thursday NCAA openers.

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 21: Head Coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks talks with the officials during a game against the Missouri Tigers at Bud Walton Arena on February 21, 2026 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 94-86. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • After winning the SEC Tournament on Sunday, Arkansas was placed as a No. 4 seed to face No. 13 Hawaii on Thursday at 1:25 p.m. local time in Portland.
  • Calipari urged either moving the SEC championship to Saturday or having the NCAA Selection Committee account for Sunday finalists when setting first‑round schedules.
  • Arkansas played three games in less than three days and returned to Fayetteville around 2 a.m. Monday due to selection show timing and weather delays, limiting practice.
  • The Razorbacks are scheduled to depart for Portland at 8 a.m. Tuesday as they prepare for a cross‑country opener on a compressed timeline.
  • Multiple leagues, including the Big Ten, Ivy League, Atlantic 10 and American, also held title games on Sunday, leaving several teams with similar short turnarounds.