Cheering for pair

Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek naturally will be pulling for the Razorbacks today, but he also had a rooting interest in Houston’s game against San Diego State on Thursday night.

Yurachek was Houston’s athletic director before being hired at Arkansas in December.

Coach Kelvin Sampson led Houston to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010 and only its second in 26 years.

“Obviously, I’m very excited for Coach Sampson and the program he’s built in four years and returning Houston — with its storied history — back to the NCAA Tournament,” Yurachek said. “I wish him and the entire Houston Cougar program nothing but the best, but my responsibilities now are at the University of Arkansas.

“I’m glad to be here with Coach [Mike] Anderson and his program representing the Razorbacks.”

Anderson has Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years.

“Mike’s done a great, great job with this program,” Yurachek said. “He’s done a great job throughout his career.”

The Razorbacks for the second consecutive year started 1-3 in SEC play, but rallied to make the NCAA Tournament.

“Basketball seasons have ebbs and flows,” Yurachek said. “You’re going to have times where you’re playing better than others, and Mike’s been very adamant that his teams get stronger as the year goes on, and I think you’ve seen that with the performance in February and early March that holds true.”