Despite the early season hype, Arkansas in 1997 regressed for the first time under Richardson. The Hogs stumbled through the regular season, finishing 15-12 (8-8 SEC). The Razorbacks were invited to the NIT — their first appearance since 1987 — and advanced to the Final Four before losing to eventual champion Michigan. Still, the 18 wins were the fewest during Richardson’s tenure since 1986, when he arrived in Fayetteville.