Date: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 6:00pm CDT
TV/Streaming: SEC Network
All-Time Series: Arkansas leads 36-32
Most Recent Matchup: January 2019, LSU won 79-77.
The Tigers
2019-20 Record: 20-9 (11-5)
Head Coach: Will Wade (3rd season, 66-31)
After a sizzling start to SEC play, the Tigers have lost 5 out of 8. In 7 of those 8 games, they have given up at least 78 points. In their matchup against Arkansas, the Hogs were able to score 78 points despite being outrebounded by 28. This isn’t about inconsistency for LSU. This is just who they are. They don’t defend.
LSU has an extremely athletic roster. It’s the type of roster that is a nightmare matchup for Arkansas. These Tigers rebound at an incredible rate which results in plenty of 2nd chance point opportunities. That may be the difference in tonight’s game. Can Arkansas rebound just good enough? Or will LSU dominate the glass again?
The Razorbacks
2019-20 Record: 18-11 (6-10)
Head Coach: Eric Musselman (1st season)
What happened on Saturday against Georgia feels like a nightmare. A team that has struggled to score all year put up 99 points on the Hogs. Transition defense was abysmal and another sluggish start crippled the Hogs from the get go.
NCAA Tournament chances are slim. I would say around 15%. Arkansas must go 2-0 in these final regular season games and win at least 2 games in Nashville during the SEC Tournament. Even if the Hogs are able to do that, it may not be enough. They need the bubble teams around them to lose.
Tournament chances may depend on who the Hogs face in Nashville. They will need to pull off some upsets against some quality opponents. With Tennessee’s win over Kentucky on Tuesday night, Arkansas can no longer finish 7th in the SEC. 8th-10th place seems to be the most likely finish for the Hogs although they could finish as low as 13th.
Prediction
If LSU will defend then they should take care of business against Arkansas. They haven’t done that all year and I wouldn’t expect them to start tonight. Las Vegas doesn’t think so either as Arkansas is 3-point favorite over the Tigers.
Arkansas has defended very well at home since the return of Isaiah Joe. LSU will be a tougher task than Missouri or Tennessee.
With LSU playing much worse lately and Arkansas back at full strength, I expect the Hogs to win on Senior Night. This one should be a high scoring affair.
Score Prediction: Arkansas 83, LSU 79
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!
