Preview and Thread: Looking For A Statement On Senior Night

Time: 8 p.m. CT

TV: SEC Network

Line: Arkansas -2, O/U: 161.5

Last Time Out

In Auburn, the Tigers blitzed the Hogs. They jumped out to a 10-2 lead, and went 5/8 from three point range in the first 10 minutes of the game. Arkansas nearly spent the entire game trying to dig out of a double digit deficit. Arkansas was able to put together 47 points in the second half but this was at the point of the season when Arkansas’ defense was at it’s weakest point and didn’t dig into the deficit that much.

Since then Auburn firmly established themselves as one of the favorites in the SEC, starting 9-1 in SEC play. Since they’ve fallen to earth a bit, going 3-3 in their last six games.

Projected Starters

Arkansas may go with Trey Thompson for a senior day start, but with the importance of this game in the SEC standings, I’d expect the usual starting five to be used. Auburn will also have a change to their line up from the last time they played Arkansas. Anfernee McLemore is out after his injury he had against South Carolina, and that will lessen the depth in the post for them.

Stats From Last Time

The biggest reason for the loss was the three point shooting. Turnovers were fairly even, as we’re free throws, and Arkansas even out rebounded the Tigers. When one team has nearly triple the other in three pointers, they usually win, so it’s not shocking that the final score ended up the way it did.

So for the rematch in Bud Walton, the keys for success are simple. Do a much better job of guarding the three point line, and don’t brick 15 of your 19 threes. In the first matchup Daryl Macon had one of his quietest games of the year. Don’t expect that to be the same at home for senior night.