John Calipari has returned like he never left, but this time, he’s watching from a safer distance as Arkansas takes center stage—for better or worse. In their last four games, the Razorbacks have pulled off stunning upsets against top programs, including Kentucky. Yet, their rise has come at a cost, as a stroke of misfortune now sees them sitting at No. 11 in the SEC. Meanwhile, Calipari, long under scrutiny, finally gets a moment to breathe.

But what changed for Arkansas? A shift in the lineup, whether by design or circumstance, has sparked new opportunities and altered the team’s approach. The Razorbacks seem to have found their rhythm, capping off their latest surge with a dominant 70-58 road win over LSU, marking their third victory in four games.

On a recent episode of ‘The Field of 68: After Dark,’ Terrence Oglesby shared his thoughts on Boogie Fland’s injury, stating, “Boogie Fland leaving, getting hurt with his wrist injury, and being out for the season, I think it actually opened up some roles. It kind of released some guys, and you didn’t have so many of the same person on the floor.”

Fland’s season-ending injury on January 11, 2025, forced Arkansas to adjust. At the time, the Razorbacks were 11-7 overall and winless in SEC play (0-5). Since his absence, they have improved to 15-9 overall and 4-7 in the conference, The Guard averaged 15.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. His absence allowed others to step up, creating a more balanced lineup. without him, Arkansas had fewer overlapping skill sets on the floor, giving players clearer roles.

The absence of Boogie Fland has not only reshaped Arkansas’ lineup but also unlocked new opportunities for other players to step up. As T.O. pointed out, “Boogie Fland’s a shot creator for himself. DJ Wagner is kind of the same—he can create a little for others, but he’s pretty one-track-minded. Then those other guys were allowed to do a little bit more.”

Johnell Davis has particularly benefited from this shift, taking on a larger role as a decision-maker. With the ball in his hands more often, he has thrived offensively, evident in his season-high 24-point performance against Texas. His expanded role has allowed him to contribute beyond just scoring, making him a more versatile offensive weapon.

Likewise, Zvonimir Ivisic has stepped up in Fland’s absence, filling the scoring gap left behind. His standout 25-point game against LSU highlighted his growing impact, proving that with more opportunities, he can be a key contributor.

Zvonimir Ivisic powers Arkansas past LSU

Arkansas was searching for a difference-maker, and Zvonimir Ivisic stepped up when it mattered most. With back-to-back dominant performances, he’s become the spark the Razorbacks desperately needed. Assistant coach Chin Coleman summed up Ivisic’s recent surge simply:

“Sometimes, good offense beats good defense.” Ivisic proved that again Wednesday night. The 7-foot-2 sophomore dropped 25 points—just days after a career-high 27—leading the Razorbacks (15-9, 4-7 SEC) to a 70-58 road win over LSU (12-12, 1-10).

Riding the momentum from his breakout performance against Alabama, Ivisic started hot, taking three of Arkansas’ first six shots and sinking his first 3-pointer. He’s now hit eight threes in the past two games, providing a much-needed spark for the Hogs.

Arkansas couldn’t afford another loss to LSU, and Ivisic delivered. He went 10-for-13 from the field, added four blocks, and carried the offense while the rest of the team shot just 43.9%. Karter Knox was the only other Razorback to hit a 3-pointer.

With Ivisic leading the charge and the defense locking in—holding LSU to 39.1% shooting and just six free throws—Arkansas secured a crucial win. A second loss to the struggling Tigers would have been a tough blow to their NCAA tournament hopes.

Arkansas’ misfortune may have been a blessing in disguise, as their reshaped lineup has sparked newfound success. While the Razorbacks adjust to their new rhythm, John Calipari can finally breathe easy—for now. But with March approaching, the real test is just beginning.