Preview and Thread: Semifinal Saturday Against Tennessee

Time: 2 p.m. CT (Probably more like 2:30 since it’s following Bama/Kentucky)

TV: ESPN

Line: Tennessee -3.5, O/U: 144

Last Time Out

We’ve got to go all the way back to December for this one. The two teams scored a combined 42 points in overtime for a thriller that the Hogs won to open up SEC play. As the year went on it proved to be one of the more impressive wins Arkansas would pick up all season. The Vols went on to share the regular season crown with Auburn and went 13-5 in conference play.

Projected Starters

Arkansas: Anton Beard, Jaylen Barford, Daryl Macon, Adrio Bailey, Daniel Gafford

Tennessee: Jordan Bone, Admiral Schofield, Jordan Bowen, Grant Williams, Kyle Alexander

The Vols have balance and difference makers on the court at all times. Grant Williams has played up to his All-SEC caliber and was named Player of the Year by the SEC Coaches. Admiral Schofield and Jordan Bone combined for 33 points in the back court in the first meeting against them.

3 Stats From Last Time

• Blocks: Arkansas - 7 (5 from Gafford); Tennessee - 3
• Leading Scorers: Daryl Macon - 33 points (10/18 shooting); Jordan Bone - 21 points (7/16)
• Offensive Rebounds: Arkansas - 6; Tennessee - 11

Arkansas (mostly Gafford), did an excellent job protecting the rim in the first meeting and will need to continue to do the same. They also got an enormous 33 points from Daryl Macon in that game. So far in St. Louis he’s 4/19 from the field and really struggling from deep. Arkansas has gotten past South Carolina and Florida without big games from him, but will need him to break out of this mini slump quickly to win on Saturday and Sunday.