Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: Hawai’i vs Arkansas Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 19)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Rainbow Warriors are back in their first NCAA Tournament since 2016.
- The Razorbacks make their fifth NCAA Tournament this decade.
- This marks the third all-time matchup between the two squads.
The college basketball world is set for an intriguing matchup in the West Region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament as the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first round. The latter stands out as the dominant favorite, presenting a matchup that could have an upset take place despite Arkansas being the SEC champions.
How to Watch
- When: Thursday, March 19, 4:25 pm ET
- Where: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
- How to Watch: TBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawai’i | -115 | -15.5 | O159 |
| Arkansas | -105 | +15.5 | U159 |
Game Preview
The Rainbow Warriors (18-6, 10-4 Big West) advanced to the Big Dance after capturing the Big West Championship with a 71-64 win over UC Irvine. It was the program’s final Big West game after 14 years in the league. They move to the Mountain West starting next season. Hawai’i is led by Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson, who was a first team All-Big West selection as the star center leads the team in scoring (14.1), blocks (34) and free throw percentage (88.5%).
Things are going great for the Razorbacks (26-8), standing tall as the SEC champions after beating Vanderbilt in the conference championship game. John Calipari looks to build on his progress last season, making the Sweet 16 in 2025 before losing to Texas Tech. Darius Acuff won the SEC Player of the Year Award unanimously as he helped Arkansas win the 2026 SEC Tournament Championship this past weekend. He was named Tournament MVP, averaging 30.3 points and 7.7 assists while shooting 43.5% (27-of-62) from 3-point range.
Hawai’i vs Arkansas Head-to-Head
The two programs have had two meetings in their history, and the result is 2-0 for the Razorbacks. The last matchup was in December 1977 when Arkansas won 78-53 at home.
Hawai’i vs Arkansas Predictions
The winner would face the winner of No. 5 seed Wisconsin and No. 12 seed High Point on Saturday, March 21, in Portland. Hawai’i will be busy in trying to keep Darius Acuff busy with difficult defense, keeping him away from the hoop. If Meleek Thomas and Trevon Brazile come through with big games against the Rainbow Warriors, then the Razorbacks won’t have to worry about being on upset watch. Our betting pick here is for the Razorbacks to defend a 15.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Arkansas Razorbacks -15.5
NCAAB
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