NSS Home > Arkansas Razorbacks > MBB: Horned Frogs at Hogs

Date: Saturday, January 25
Time: 3:00pm CDT
TV/Streaming: ESPN2
All-Time Series: Arkansas leads 104-38
Most Recent Matchup: February 1991, Arkansas won 97-61.

The Horned Frogs
2019-20 Record: 13-5 (4-2)
H
ead Coach: Jamie Dixon (4th season, 81-46)

TCU returned just 39% of its scoring from last season and have exceeded expectation so far. Desmond Bane has been outstanding for Jamie Dixon. Bane is averaging 17.2ppg on 47% shooting with 44% from 3-point range. Behind Bane, production has been inconsistent. Sophomore R.J. Nembhard averages 12.2ppg, but is shooting just 36% from the floor.

The Frogs have played two top-50 NET teams on the road this season. In both games, TCU lost by 20 or more points. 

The Razorbacks
2019-20 Record: 14-4 (3-3)
Head Coach: Eric Musselman (1st season)

The theme for this Hog squad after losses has been “Bounce Back.” The Hogs have to find a way to do that against TCU on Saturday. The last 2 games have been atrocious for the Hogs on the offensive end. Wasted possessions, poor shooting, and even the free throw shooting as gone down the drain. Eric Musselman said in Friday’s press conference that he received a text from Mason Jones saying, “We need your energy today.” Clearly, the Hogs are hungry and want to be pushed.

Arkansas desperately needs Isaiah Joe and Mason Jones to both be factors. It has been a sophomore slump type of year for Isaiah Joe. He is still averaging over 17ppg and has been very productive in other areas. Despite that, Joe just has not shot it well all season. How far this team can go may go with Joe’s shooting.

Prediction:

I like this matchup for the Hogs. TCU is better than I expected them to be this season, but they do not play with a lot of size. Kevin Samuel, who is 6-11, will cause issues for the Hogs, but TCU ranks 340th in free throw percentage. Kevin Samuel is shooting 32% from the line on the year. Arkansas has struggled with fouling big men all season. If Samuel sees the foul line often, it could be a great defense for the Hogs. They just need to keep Desmond Bane in check.

On offense, I can see Jimmy Whitt having a huge game. The last few games, Whitt has been matched up with someone much taller than he is. That should not happen tomorrow.

Hogs bounce back with this one!

Score Prediction: Arkansas 73, TCU 63

Ben Brandon
Like many in our state, I didn't have a choice in who my favorite team would be growing up. I was raised on Razorback. I remember watching the early season games on ARSN or conference games on JP Sports. My first favorite players were Brandon Dean and Joe Johnson. Great memories. I never thought years ago I would be writing about Arkansas Basketball. I don't have a journalism background or anything like that. When given the opportunity, I wanted to challenge myself with something new and it has been a blast!