Preview and Gamethread: Arkanas at LSU

Time: 5 p.m. CT

KenPom Prediction: 81-72 LSU

TV: SEC Network

Location: Baton Rouge, LA

The Hogs get their first rematch of SEC play against LSU. The Hogs faced off against LSU and fell in overtime, despite a career high from Daniel Gafford. The Tigers still haven’t lost since then and are one of the two remaining undefeated teams in SEC play. Arkansas will want some payback but its going to be a very difficult game for them.

LSU started Kavell Bigby-Williams over Emmitt Williams in the first matchup, but Bigby-Williams went scoreless and fouled out in 18 minutes against the Hogs and Williams had a better game, so I’d expect to see him. Other wise expect the same from both sides. Reggie Chaney had a very solid game before fouling out in the first matchup so he could be inserted in to the starting lineup as well.

Last time out, Arkansas did an excellent job of forcing turnovers, but had a hard time taking care of the ball themselves. Arkansas’ own turnovers negated any advantage they created on defense, which is going to be even more important on the road.

Another big issue is going to be the outside shooting. Naz Reid’s perfect 4/4 night from outside killed the Hogs, and they didn’t land any big shots of their own. It was Isaiah Joe’s lowest scoring game of his career (before the last two tied and broke that). It was also one of two games he didn’t hit a three pointer. The Hogs need that outside shooting threat or the space around Daniel Gafford is going to get even tighter. After his career high against them last time out, expect LSU to squeeze the paint even more than most teams do and dare the Hogs to shoot.