INDIANAPOLIS — Down by as many as 10 in the first half, Arkansas used a stifling defensive effort combined with a fast start to jump out to a 13-point lead in the second half before holding off Texas Tech to win 68-66.
Leading by one with 34-seconds to play, Jalen Tate played fantastic defense, forcing a missed layup by Terrance Shannon, Jr. and J.D. Notae pulled down the rebound. The Red Raiders were forced to foul with :19 left on the clock. Notae made one of two to put the Hogs up 68-66.
Texas Tech had a chance to tie with a layup with two seconds left, but Kyler Edwards missed and it was again Notae that secured the rebound.
With the win, the Razorbacks advance to their first Sweet 16 since 1996.
Arkansas was led by Justin Smith with 20 points. He was 9-of-11 from the floor and pulled down 6 rebounds.
Moses Moody, who was held to just four points at the half, exploded during the second 20 minutes hitting 4-of-7, including two big three's to keep the Razorbacks in the lead. Moody finished with 15.
Once again Devo Davis provided a spark off the bench. The freshman was an integral part of a 14-4 Arkansas run towards the end of the first half, going 4-of-7 from the floor while scoring nine of his 15 points.
His breakaway slam in the second half earned him a technical foul but provided one of the most exciting moments of the tournaments thus far.
Arkansas will play the winner between Florida and Oral Roberts in the Sweet 16.