#4 Arkansas vs. #12 High Point Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch: March Madness® 2026
#4 Arkansas and #12 High Point clash at the Moda Center in Portland for a West Region second-round showdown. Here are details, our prediction, and how to watch with Sling TV.
The No. 4 seed Arkansas Razorbacks (27-8) enter the second round of March Madness® following a dominant 97-78 opening-round victory over Hawaii. In his first season leading the Hogs, legendary head coach John Calipari has built a top-five offensive powerhouse that ranks 4th nationally in adjusted efficiency.
They face a No. 12 seed High Point Panthers (31-4) squad that provided the first massive shock of the tournament. The Panthers secured their first-ever NCAA® Tournament win by upsetting No. 5 seed Wisconsin 83-82 on a dramatic late layup.
Arkansas features an elite backcourt led by SEC Player of the Year Darius Acuff Jr., while High Point counters with a veteran, high-scoring roster that leads the nation in scoring margin.
To watch the Razorbacks vs. Panthers Second Round game with Sling, use the link below for a 1 Day Pass subscription to TBS, or a monthly subscription to Sling Blue or Sling Orange.
Arkansas Razorbacks Analysis
- Season Overview: Arkansas (27-8) finished 2nd in the SEC and boasts the 8th-ranked offensive rating in the country. They are highly efficient, ranking 2nd nationally in field goals made and 9th in three-point percentage (38.9%).
- Star Player: Darius Acuff Jr. (G). The freshman phenom and SEC Player of the Year averages 22.9 PPG and 6.5 APG. He is coming off a 24-point performance in the first round.
- The X-Factor: Interior Dominance. With star freshman Meleek Thomas (15.4 PPG) stretching the floor, the Hogs' frontcourt of Trevon Brazile and Malique Ewin combined for 35 points and 18 rebounds against Hawaii. Their size advantage will be a major hurdle for High Point.
High Point Panthers Analysis
- Season Overview: High Point (31-4) dominated the Big South and ranks 3rd nationally in scoring at 90.0 PPG. They are exceptional at forcing mistakes, ranking 1st in the country in steals per game (10.9).
- Star Player: Terry Anderson (F). The senior leader leads the Panthers with 16.0 PPG and 6.1 RPG. He is the engine of an "older bunch" that features eight seniors on the roster.
- The Upset Formula: Three-Point Volume. High Point lives by the arc, led by Chase Johnston (6.4 PPG), who famously hit his first 2-pointer of the season to beat Wisconsin after 132 straight three-point attempts. If the Panthers can turn this into a high-possession track meet, their veteran experience could keep it close.
Key Matchup & Advanced Analytics
- Position Battle: Elite Guards vs. High-Pressure Defense. Arkansas' top-10 backcourt will be tested by a High Point defense that forces over 16 turnovers per game.
- Statistical Edge: Arkansas holds a massive advantage in strength of schedule (12th vs. 328th). While both teams are elite offensively, the Razorbacks' 50th-ranked defense is significantly higher than High Point's 139th.
- Betting Trends: Arkansas opened as a 11.5-point favorite. The "Over" has been a strong trend for both teams, hitting in 21 of High Point's 33 games and 20 of Arkansas' 35 games this season.
Final Prediction & Betting Pick
- The Verdict: Arkansas Razorbacks.
- Final Score Prediction: Arkansas 92, High Point 79.
- Best Bet: Over 168.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the favorite in the game between Razorbacks and Panthers?
Arkansas is a 11.5-point favorite according to opening Vegas lines. - Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA Tournament?
You can stream the game on TBS or truTV via Sling TV, or follow the action on the NCAA March Madness Live app. - What time is the Arkansas game?
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:45 PM ET (8:45 PM CT local time) at the Moda Center.
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