It’s always great to beat a conference rival. It’s even better if that win is expected to significantly bolster a team’s chances for a higher seed in March Madness. Such was the case for Eric Musselman and the Arkansas Razorbacks Wednesday night, when they defeated the LSU Tigers at home by the skin of their teeth, 77-76.

Arkansas had a NET ranking of No. 23 going into the game in Fayetteville but victimized the higher-ranked Tigers (No. 19 in NET rankings), which drew a bemused reaction from Musselman.

Arkansas had a NET ranking of No. 23 going into the game in Fayetteville but victimized the higher-ranked Tigers (No. 19 in NET rankings), which drew a bemused reaction from Musselman.

“I'm looking at this stuff, like a team wins and they drop. What is this?” Musselman said. “I'll be real interested because their (LSU's) NET's real high. I'm not smart enough to figure it out. I mean, the last 15 games how are we playing? I hope that gets heavily considered as well as we get ready for Selection Sunday. I hope there's some common sense.”

The Razorbacks are almost assured of a spot in the upcoming national tournament, regardless of how it performs in the SEC tournament. With a 6-4 record in Quadrant 1 games and a 5-0 slate in Quadrant 2s, the Razorbacks’ resume is looking sound enough to warrant an entry into the Big Dance come Selection Sunday.

Arkansas can further solidify its credentials if it beat the Tennessee Volunteers (No. 9 in NET rankings) in Knoxville on Saturday.