
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.
The Augusta Chronicle