NSS Home > Arkansas Razorbacks > MBB: Gamecocks vs Hogs

Date: Wednesday, January 28
Time: 7:30pm CDT
TV/Streaming: SEC Network
All-Time Series: Arkansas leads 20-14
Most Recent Matchup: February 2019, South Carolina won 77-65.

The Gamecocks
2019-20 record: 11-8 (3-3)
Head Coach: Frank Martin (8th season, 140-114)

South Carolina has been par for the course this season. What is par you ask? Several unexplainable losses in non-conference then winning games they should not be in co play. The Gamecocks have losses to Boston University, Northern Iowa, and Stetson but starts SEC play 3-3. South Carolina has done this before with Frank Martin and as recent as last year.

Wings Trae Hannibal and Keyshawn Bryant had missed time with injuries opening up opportunities for other players. Nevertheless, both guys were back on Saturday when USCe routed Vanderbilt. It appears the Gamecocks will be at full strength when they come to the Hill on Wednesday.

A.J. Lawson leads USCe in scoring, but Maik Kotsar is the heart and soul of this team. In three of four career matchups with Arkansas, Kotsar has only scored more than 7 point once. His 6-11 frame will gives the Hogs trouble down low, which has not been the case in past matchups. He will be the key that unlocks a win for South Carolina.

The Razorbacks
2019-20 record: 15-4 (3-3)
Head Coach: Eric Musselman (1st season)

The biggest question facing Arkansas going into Wednesday night’s contest will be the availability of Isaiah Joe. The sophomore guard missed the game against TCU on Saturday with knee inflammation. It had been a concern in previous games, but flared up at Mississippi State last Wednesday. Desi Sills and Jalen Harris were outstanding filling in for Joe against TCU, but no one can space an offense as Joe can. While it has been a bit of a sophomore-slump type of year for Isaiah, the Hogs cannot afford losing him. It seems we will not know if Joe is cleared to play until game time on Wednesday.

Arkansas has two huge games coming up. At Alabama on Saturday and then Auburn at home next Tuesday. The Hogs cannot look past South Carolina. This is a classic trap game.

Prediction
Since SEC play has started, South Carolina has turned the ball over 81 times, which ranks 11th in the conference. USCe has also committed the most fouls in SEC play. I think the athleticism of the Arkansas guards will result several free throw attempts for the Hogs. While Kotsar is 6-11, South Carolina does not play much size. If Arkansas will keep the rebounding battle close then the Hogs should cruise in this one. Even if Arkansas gets in foul trouble, South Carolina is the sixth worst free throw shooting team in the country at 61.2%. Hogs roll in this one!

Score Prediction: Arkansas 75, South Carolina 61

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!