NSS Home > Arkansas Razorbacks > MBB: Bulldogs Make Way to BWA

Date: Saturday, February 15

Time: 12:00pm CDT

TV/Streaming: SEC Network

All-Time Series: Arkansas leads 33-30

Most Recent Matchup: January 2020, Mississippi State won, 77-70.

 

The Bulldogs

2019-20 Record: 15-9 (6-5)

Head Coach: Ben Howland (5th season, 93-65)

 

When Arkansas faced Mississippi State in January, the Bulldogs were in the middle of winning 6 out of 7 games. Now MSU has lost 2 out of 3. They lost by 8 to Kentucky which is understandable, but Wednesday’s game was the most surprising score of the week. Ole Miss routed MSU by 25. Ole Miss’ Breein Tyree outscored the Bulldogs by himself in the 2nd half. A head-scratching loss for sure.

 

Reggie Perry is one of the frontrunners for the SEC Player of the Year. Hogs fans will rain boos down to Perry on Saturday. The sophomore sensation was once committed to Arkansas before ending up in Starkville. Perry is nearly averaging a double-double with 17.7ppg and 9.9rpg. MSU did not look like a potential NCAA tournament team for most of non-conference play. Nick Weatherspoon’s return has helped raise this team’s expectations. A win in Fayetteville would bolster their resume.

The Razorbacks 

2019-20 Record: 16-8 (4-7)

Head Coach: Eric Musselman (1st season)

 

Arkansas plays 3 of the next 4 at Bud Walton Arena. That stretch couldn’t come at a better time. The Hogs have lost 3 out of 4 which has dropped them to the bubble. Which is a scary thing as a fan. There are still 7 regular season games without much room for error. It’s do or die time.

 

Isaiah Joe is still out with no timetable for his return. Head Coach Eric Musselman summed it up well during his press conference on Thursday, “We just need to hit shots.” It doesn’t get much simpler than that. If the Hogs can’t find a way to do that while Joe is absent. Things could get ugly down the stretch.

Prediction

I have no logical reason for this. Simply a gut feeling. Hogs win on Saturday. I don’t how or why, but the Hogs will win!

 

Score Prediction: Arkansas 73, Mississippi State 69

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!