The Arkansas Razorbacks entered the NCAA Tournament facing a 3-0 hole against Missouri State, but the team refused to fold.
What followed was a five‑run fifth inning that turned the tide, as Arkansas unleashed eight runs against the Bears' bullpen, erasing the deficit and seizing control.
A rally that reshapes the bracket
At the heart of the rally was sophomore Maika Niu, who went 4-for-4 with four RBIs, delivering the decisive blows that sparked the comeback.
Seven of the nine Arkansas starters crossed the plate, underscoring the depth of the lineup, while veterans such as Damian Ruiz and Ryder Helfrick contributed two hits each.
The victory marks the second meeting between the Razorbacks and the Bears this season; Arkansas had dropped the first encounter 15-14 in a walk‑off thriller, only to answer back with a 12-4 win.
With the win, Arkansas moves to the winners bracket and will next test its mettle against the University of Kansas, a program that shares a storied rivalry with the Razorbacks.