Preview and Gamethread: Arkansas vs. FIU

Time: 7 p.m. CT

TV: SECN+

KenPom Prediction: Arkansas 89-73

Location: Bud Walton Arena

After a week off, the Hogs are back in action. Arkansas is taking on an FIU team that has racked up the wins, but hasn’t faced really any difficult opposition. The Hogs will be the first team the Panthers have faced this year ranked in the top 200 of KenPom.

Brian Beard Jr. is they key to FIU. He has one of the highest usage rates in the country, and averages 22 points per game. Devon Andrews is the high volume player in the post for them. He averages 18 and 6 a night and will be a handful for whoever is alongside Daniel Gafford.

The Panthers want to get up the court quick. This game is going to be fast paced, hectic, and probably a little out of control. They have already put up 100 against four different (albeit weaker) opponents.

FIU wants to score, meaning this could be a good shot for the Hogs to put triple digits on a team this year. In doing that, they give up a ton of offensive rebounds. With everyone taking off trying to get down the court in a hurry, it gives the opposition a greater chance at an offensive board. Neither team is particularly good at that so it should be a key part of the game. And the Hogs will also get the chance to put their excellent interior defense to the test against a team who likes to get in the paint and score.