Arkansas Fight: All Posts by Ben Brandon

The Portal Progress - Week 2

2022-04-12T09:15:00-05:00

Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Portal Progress – Week 2

The Arkansas staff contacted over 70 transfers in each of the past 2 off-seasons. They are off to a hot start this coming off of back-to-back Elite 8s.

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports has deemed Eric Musselman, “The Importer.” This moniker is true. There’s no other way to say it. The Arkansas staff is thorough in the portal and they hit a lot more than they miss on the talent they bring in.

Each week I will update this with the new contacts Arkansas has made in the portal. Plus, updates on commitments and cut lists.

Something to remember about the transfer portal. Just because Arkansas has contacted a player doesn’t mean they are a top priority. This staff is extremely thorough. It is safe to assume that they have a list of their top priorities and then backups/plan B options.

Another thing to remember is just because Arkansas makes a cut list for a recruit doesn’t mean they would take them. Recruits often add top programs to their cut lists for notoriety and more exposure.

So far this off-season the Arkansas staff has “publicly” contacted 47 transfers. This number is as of Monday, April 11^that 9pm.

Updates On Commitments and Cut Lists

Ali Ali committed to Butler.

Devin Carter released his Top 6 that included Arkansas, LSU, Oregon, Providence, UConn, and UNLV.

Jermaine Couisnard released his Top 7 that included DePaul, Gonzaga, Houston, Maryland, Ohio St., Oregon, and UMass.

Brandon Murray committed to Georgetown.

Will Richard committed to Florida.

Neal Quinn committed to Richmond.

New Arkansas Contacts

Tyree Appleby – Florida

Johni Broome – Morehead St.

Landers Nolley - Memphis

Norchad Omier – Arkansas St.

Sir’Jabari Rice – New Mexico St.

Luis Rodriguez – Ole Miss

Eric Williams Jr. – Oregon

Committed To Arkansas

Trevon Brazile – Missouri
6-9, 215
6.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks

Jalen Graham – Arizona St.
6-9, 200
9.9 points and 4.6 rebounds

Makhel Mitchell
6-10, 245
10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks

Makhi Mitchell
6-9, 230
9.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 30.4% 3P%

Arkansas Made Cut List

Devin Carter – South Carolina
6-3, 188
9.0 points and 3.8 rebounds
Carter’s Top 6 includes – Arkansas, LSU, Oregon, Providence, UConn, and UNLV

Noah Carter – Northern Iowa
6-6, 230
15.0 points and 4.1 rebounds
Carter’s Top 5 includes – Arkansas, Florida, Marquette, Missouri, and Virginia Tech

Contacted By Arkansas

Fardaws Aimaq – Utah Valley
6-11, 245
18.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 43.5% 3P%

Tyree Appleby – Florida
6-1, 170
10.9 points, 3.7 assists, and 34.3% 3P%

Keeshawn Barthelemy – Colorado
6-2, 160
11.1 points, 2.4 assists, and 34.7% 3P%

Manny Bates – North Carolina St.
6-11, 230 – Injured in 2021-22
9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in 2020-21

Jalen Bridges – West Virginia
6-7, 220
8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds

Johni Broome – Morehead St.
6-10, 230
16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks.

Jomaru Brown – Eastern Kentucky
6-2, 190
12.2 points

Isaiah Cottrell – West Virginia
6-10, 240
4.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 31.9% 3P%

Sean Durugordon – Missouri
6-7, 210
3.2 points

Xavier Foster – Iowa St.
7-0, 230
4.0 points in 7 games

James Graham III – Maryland
6-8, 205
1.3 points in 9 games

Curt Lewis – Eastern Kentucky
6-5, 220
9.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 34.2% 3P%

Jaelin Llewellyn – Princeton
6-2, 175
15.8 pints, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 39.6% 3P%

Tray Maddux Jr. – Cal State-Fullerton
6-6, 200
9.5 points and 32.5% 3P%

Isaih Moore – Southern Miss
6-10, 205
13.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 30.9% 3P%

Tristen Newton – East Carolina
6-5, 200
17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 33.3% 3P%

Landers Nolley II – Memphis
6-7, 220
9.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 33.6% 3P%

Gus Okafor – Southeastern Louisiana
6-6, 230
14.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 32.6% 3P%

Norchad Omier – Arkansas St.
6-7, 230
17.9 points and 12.2 rebounds

Sir’Jabari Rice – New Mexico St.
6-4, 180
11.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 34.1% 3P%

Toni Rocak – Cal-San Diego
6-8, 220
15.2 points and 6.5 rebounds

Luis Rodriguez – Ole Miss
6-6, 210
6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds

Warren Washington – Nevada
7-0, 215
10.5 points and 6.6 rebounds

Austin Williams – Hartford
6-4, 200
16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists

Eric Williams Jr. – Oregon
6-6, 200
8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 35.1% 3P%

Samuell Williamson – Louisville
6-7, 210
5.6 points and 3.7 rebounds

Camren Wynter – Drexel
6-2, 175
15.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists

Contacts That Eliminated Arkansas

Ali Ali – Akron -> Butler

Ledarrius Brewer – East Tennessee St. -> UAB

Kendal Coleman – Northwestern St. -> LSU

Jermaine Couisnard – South Carolina
Couisnard cut list to 7 schools including DePaul, Gonzaga, Houston, Maryland, Ohio St., Oregon, and UMass

Nelly Cummings – Colgate -> Pittsburgh

Taylor Funk – St. Joseph’s -> Utah St.

Jaylan Gainey – Brown -> Florida St.

DeAndre Gholston – Milwaukee -> Missouri

Justin Hill – Longwood -> Georgia

Brandon Murray – LSU -> Georgetown

Neal Quinn – Lafayette -> Richmond

Will Richard – Belmont -> Florida

Sam Sessoms – Penn St.
Sessoms cut his list to 6 schools including Coppin St., George Mason, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi St., and UTEP

Erik Stevenson – South Carolina -> West Virginia

The Portal Progress - Week 1

2022-04-04T10:15:00-05:00

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Portal Progress – Week 1

The Arkansas staff contacted over 70 transfers in each of the past 2 off-seasons. They are off to a hot start this coming off of back-to-back Elite 8s.

Each week I will update this with the new contacts Arkansas has made in the portal. Plus, updates on commitments and cut lists.

Before it is all said and done, I think Arkansas will take 3 transfers this off-season. One clear need is more frontcourt depth. I see Arkansas taking a big man or two to back up Jaylin Williams. Arkansas has already snagged one in Trevon Brazile. There are few different ways you can go if you want another one. Get a big very similar to Jaylin or a full on back to the basket player.

The other spot is where things aren’t so clear. We know Arkansas could use more shooting, but do you get another PG to counter Anthony Black or someone who mimics what Stanley Umude did for Arkansas last year? Time will tell what Musselman and company wants to do.

So far this off-season the Arkansas staff has contacted 36 transfers.

Committed To Arkansas

Trevon Brazile – Missouri
6-9, 215
6.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Brazile was one of my favorite players to hit the portal in the first few weeks and I am thrilled that Arkansas was able to snag him. He has supreme athleticism and a ton of potential. He is a rim-runner, but has the ability to step out and shoot the 3. While I see him definitely playing as a small-ball 5, he projects as a 4. Brazile will need to grow from a defensive IQ perspective and put on some muscle to reach his potential. The stats may not jump off the page, but he was a true freshman this past season and has 3 years of eligibility left. There is little reason to think that he won’t be really, really good in the next few years.

Arkansas Made Cut List

Noah Carter – Northern Iowa
6-6, 230
15.0 points and 4.1 rebounds
Carter’s Top 5 includes – Arkansas, Florida, Marquette, Missouri, and Virginia Tech

Contacted By Arkansas

Fardaws Aimaq – Utah Valley
6-11, 245
18.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 43.5% 3P%

Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ali Ali – Akron
6-8, 205
13.9 points, 2,9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 40.7% 3P%

Keeshawn Barthelemy – Colorado
6-2, 160
11.1 points, 2.4 assists, and 34.7% 3P%

Manny Bates – North Carolina St.
6-11, 230 – Injured in 2021-22
9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in 2020-21

Jalen Bridges – West Virginia
6-7, 220
8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds

Jomaru Brown – Eastern Kentucky
6-2, 190
12.2 points

Isaiah Cottrell – West Virginia
6-10, 240
4.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 31.9% 3P%

Jermaine Couisnard – South Carolina
6-4, 210
12.0 points and 32.3% 3P%

Sean Durugordon – Missouri
6-7, 210
3.2 points

Xavier Foster – Iowa St.
7-0, 230
4.0 points in 7 games

James Graham III – Maryland
6-8, 205
1.3 points in 9 games

Curt Lewis – Eastern Kentucky
6-5, 220
9.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 34.2% 3P%

Jaelin Llewellyn – Princeton
6-2, 175
15.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 39.6% 3P%

Tray Maddux Jr. – Cal State-Fullerton
6-6, 200
9.5 points and 32.5% 3P%

Isaih Moore – Southern Miss
6-10, 205
13.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 30.9% 3P%

Brandon Murray – LSU
6-5, 215
10.0 points and 33.6% 3P%

Tristen Newton – East Carolina
6-5, 200
17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 33.3% 3P%

Gus Okafor – Southeastern Louisiana
6-6, 230
14.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 32.6% 3P%

Neal Quinn – Lafayette
7-0, 280
14.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks

Will Richard – Belmont
6-5, 195
12.1 points and 32.6% 3P%

Toni Rocak – Cal-San Diego
6-8, 220
15.2 points and 6.5 rebounds

Warren Washington – Nevada
7-0, 215
10.5 points and 6.6 rebounds

Austin Williams – Hartford
6-4, 200
16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists

Samuell Williamson – Louisville
6-7, 210
5.6 points and 3.7 rebounds

Camren Wynter – Drexel
6-2, 175
15.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists

Contacts That Eliminated Arkansas

Ledarrius Brewer – East Tennessee St. -> UAB

Kendal Coleman – Northwestern St. -> LSU

Nelly Cummings – Colgate -> Pittsburgh

Taylor Funk – St. Joseph’s -> Utah St.

Jaylan Gainey – Brown -> Florida St.

DeAndre Gholston – Milwaukee -> Missouri

Justin Hill – Longwood -> Georgia

Sam Sessoms - Penn St.

Sessoms cut his list to 6 schools including Coppin St., George Mason, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi St., and UTEP

Erik Stevenson – South Carolina -> West Virginia

GAME #33: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas

2022-03-12T10:00:00-06:00

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M vs. Arkansas Preview

Opponent: Texas A&M Aggies
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2022
Time: 12:00PM CDT
Place: Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay, Florida
TV/Streaming: ESPN
All-Time Series: Arkansas leads 105-58
All-Time Series at a Neutral Site: Arkansas leads 7-4
All-Time Series at the SEC Tournament: First Matchup

The Aggies – 22-11

What a rollercoaster season for Texas A&M. A hot start, followed by 8 straight losses in conference play, and now 6 straight victories heading into Saturday’s contest. Buzz Williams has this team clicking on all cylinders.

The emergence of Tyrece Radford has taken the Aggies to the next level. He has scored in double digits in 11 of the past 12 games. The Virginia Tech transfer couldn’t miss against Auburn on Friday.

A&M finds themselves on the wrong side of the bubble currently, but are rising quickly. A win over Arkansas may be enough to put them in.

The Aggies start a small lineup, but Duke transfer Henry Coleman has been a bull in this tournament so far. Against Florida, he had 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals. This was against the talented Colin Castleton. On Saturday, Coleman put up 16 points and 10 rebounds. He is 15-25 from the field and has only committed 1 foul while guarding Castleton and Walker Kessler. He’s been outstanding. The matchup between Coleman and Jaylin Williams will be fascinating.

The Razorbacks – 25-7

Arkansas played so good on Friday. While the box score didn’t reflect it, I thought for about 85% of the game the offense was awesome. There were a ton of open looks, but the Hogs couldn’t get the shots to fall. As always, the defense made things extremely difficult for LSU to complete a 3-game sweep on the year.

A key to an Arkansas win is to take care of the basketball. Buzz doesn’t mind playing very slow. Possessions will likely be limited so you must not shoot yourself in the foot.

Another key will be guard play. Guards will make or break you in March, but that is especially true in this game. A&M is guard heavy so J.D. Notae, Devo Davis, and Chris Lykes will all need to play well on Saturday. Against LSU, Arkansas played big for most of the game. I think we will see some guard heavy lineups to keep up with the A&M speed. Those same guards are shooting a scorching 17-33 from 3 in this tournament. You cannot allow that to continue.

Arkansas cannot do what Auburn did on Friday. They cannot assume they will move onto the next round. They can’t have their eyes on the Championship game. The Hogs need to take A&M seriously. Be the aggressor! Arkansas came out swinging early against LSU to build a sizable lead. We need to see the same thing today. The Aggies will be playing their 3^rd game in as many days. Both games went to the wire so you have to wonder how their legs will be. Should come out swinging, they will win.

I expect big games from Stanley Umude and Au’Diese Toney. Coleman should give Williams a hard time. The A&M guards can slow down Notae. So expect the bigger Arkansas SF and PF to be effective today.

Prediction: Arkansas 72, Texas A&M 65

GAME #32: LSU vs. Arkansas Round 3

2022-03-11T09:15:00-06:00

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

LSU vs. Arkansas Preview

Opponent: Tennessee Volunteers
Date: Friday, March 11, 2022
Time: 1:30PM CDT
Place: Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay, Florida
TV/Streaming: ESPN
All-Time Series: Arkansas leads 40-34
All-Time Series at a Neutral Site: LSU leads 7-5
All-Time Series at the SEC Tournament: LSU leads 3-2

The Tigers – 22-10

Since their heartbreaking loss in Fayetteville, LSU has beaten Alabama in overtime and cruised to a win over Missouri yesterday. This team is really starting to click again as Pinson is fully healthy. He just means so much to this team.

Something that stood in Day 2 of the SEC Tournament was how whistle happy the officials were in each game. It made game after game drag on. This is something to keep an eye on as LSU plays extremely aggressive defense and Arkansas leads the nation in free throw attempts.

A key for LSU will be getting the Arkansas star duo into foul trouble. Tari Eason was able to foul out Jaylin Williams at the end of the game in Fayetteville. Somehow, the Hogs were still able to win the game.

LSU needs to play smarter too. They are extremely talented. They very athletic. Basketball IQ is a different story. The Tigers should have won that game in Fayetteville, but they made crucial errors at the end of the game. Yesterday’s win over Missouri should have been by 15+ points, but Mizzou nearly cut it to 6 with under a minute. You can’t play that way this time of year against good competition.

Darius Days will be a huge reason why LSU wins or loses this game. I have posted the stats before. If LSU wins over Arkansas, he usually has an amazing game. If they lose to Arkansas, he is nowhere to found.

The Razorbacks – 24-7

Arkansas is still riding high from an incredible run through February. They did lose in Knoxville this past Saturday to end the season, but that was easy to see coming. Tennessee was unbeaten at home and extra motivated for revenge against the Hogs. Add in that Arkansas was missing their best defender in Au’Diese Toney and it was the perfect storm. The Vols led by 21 at half, but Arkansas came storm back to get within 2. The Hogs would lose by 4, but to show that kind of fight in a rabid environment was impressive

One of the keys to Arkansas win is obviously the health of Au’Diese Toney. Based on social media posts over the last 24 hours, it seems he is no longer in a walking boot and did take part in shootaround Thursday morning.

The Tennessee game showed just how important Toney is to Arkansas. His defensive prowess was definitely missed as the Tennessee guards and wings had their way early in that game.

Another key will be rebounding. Arkansas has not been doing that as well lately. The last time these teams met LSU had 22 offensive rebounds which led to 21 second chance points for the Tigers. Kentucky also had their way on the boards in BWA.

The last key will be taking care of the ball. Arkansas had just 12 turnovers against them last time, but 9 of them were steals. LSU leads the nation in steals. The live ball turnovers can turn into easy fast break points for a team that is athletic.

The Hogs must do better today if they want to win this game. You won’t have a raucous BWA crowd behind you.

With Toney’s availability in question, I think LSU wins. Even if Toney plays, we can’t believe that he is 100%. LSU believes they should have won the last matchup and I think they win today. Just a gut feeling. Hope I am wrong.

Prediction: Arkansas 67, LSU 71

GAME 29: Kentucky @ Arkansas

2022-02-26T08:30:00-06:00

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky @ Arkansas Preview

Opponent: Kentucky Wildcats
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2022
Time: 1:00PM CDT
Place: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Arkansas
TV/Streaming: CBS
All-Time Series: Kentucky leads 33-12
All-Time Series in Fayetteville: Kentucky leads 8-7

The Wildcats – 23-5 (12-3)

The Razorbacks – 22-6 (11-4)

Just how good is Kentucky? Do we really know? They have looked amazing when their team is healthy, but they are pretty banged up right now. Sahvir Wheeler and TyTy Washington are both questionable for today’s game. They both missed Wednesday nights’ victory over LSU in Lexington. With Wheeler and Washington, you could argue that Kentucky is the best team in the country when they are clicking. They pass the eye test with flying colors every time.

Saturday is an animal all of its’ own for Kentucky though. Arkansas is playing as good as any team in the country. Bud Walton Arena will be at its’ best. Kentucky is used to that though. They get everyone’s best in every road game. Arkansas just happens to be one of the best atmospheres in basketball. All 5 of Kentucky’s losses have come away from Rupp Arena.

In SEC play, Kentucky has been the best 3-point shooting team in the conference. Arkansas has been the best at defending the 3 in conference to along with being #1 in defensive efficiency. Something has to give. Kellen Grady is a superstar shooter. Arkansas must key in on him.

No matter who is playing guards for UK tomorrow, we know Oscar Tshiebwe will be his consistent self. The big man is averaging a video-game-like 16.4 points and 15.0 rebounds per game. Given how well Arkansas did against Colin Castleton, I expect a colossal game for Oscar. I know I write this every game, but rebounding is of extreme importance on Saturday. Kentucky will win the rebounding battle. I truly believe that, but how close Arkansas can keep it might determine the game’s winner.

If Wheeler and/or Washington are out then we will see a lot more Davion Mintz, Jacob Toppin, and Bryce Hopkins. Mintz, Kellen Grady, Tshiebwe, and Toppin all played 38 minutes or more on Wednesday night. They needed a come from behind win to beat LSU. Arkansas had an extra days rest and have been at home. With the dramatic win and a lot of minutes, you have to wonder how fresh will Kentucky’s legs be? John Calipari played just a 6-man rotation Wednesday night.

Arkansas needs a lot of minutes from Jaylin Williams and J.D. Notae. A key will be keeping them on the floor. Oscar is going to attack relentlessly.

The Razorbacks will need excellent execution offensively. UK has defended the 3 very well, but in their losses it has been an area of struggle. There seems to be formula there. In their three SEC losses, opponents have shot at least 37% from 3 each game. Arkansas will need to repeat that. Kentucky’s length and physicality will likely lead to a lot of 3PA.

This is a tough game to pick because we don’t know if Wheeler or Washington will play. Those 2 drive the offense. They get things set up properly.

Kentucky opened has a 2.5 point favorites from the Las Vegas oddsmakers. Since that number released this afternoon, the line has shifted to Arkansas has a 2.5 point favorite. That’s a 4-point slide. That’s significant. You don’t see that very often.

The line shift leads us to believe that Washington and/or Wheeler will be out on Saturday. If they are out, then give me the Hogs. UK won without them on Wednesday, but that was at home. Arkansas has been a much defensive team that LSU lately. Their absence would really matter.

Prediction: Arkansas 68, Kentucky 65

GAME #28: Arkansas @ Florida

2022-02-22T10:30:00-06:00

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Arkansas @ Florida Preview

Opponent: Florida Gators
Date: Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Time: 6:00PM CDT
Place: Exactech Arena, Gainesville, Florida
TV/Streaming: ESPN2
All-Time Series: Florida leads 26-13
All-Time Series in Gainesville: Florida leads 14-2

The Gators – 17-10(7-7)

It’s been another underwhelming season for Mike White at Florida and fans are really starting to voice their disapproval. The Gators have some talent, but they seem to find themselves on the bubble a lot lately. While they did pick up a huge win over Auburn last week, there is still work to be done.

Florida is a one-man show in a lot of ways and that is Colin Castleton. Almost all of Mike White’s is ran through him in some fashion. You will see a ton of post-ups from the big man on Tuesday night. Last year, Castleton had 13 points and 6 rebounds in BWA. This year’s game will be a much tougher matchup for him.

The guards have been very inconsistent for Florida. Arkansas native Tyree Applebee and Phlandorus Fleming are the only other two double-digit scorers. They are efficient players though.

Florida is somehow a worse 3 point shooting team than Arkansas. They rank 322^nd in 3-point percentage at 30.5%, but they attempt the 36^th most 3s per game. That doesn’t seem like a recipe for success, but is the result of teams packing it in around Castleton.

The 2 players that worries me for Arkansas are Anthony Duruji and Myreon jones. Duruji has been very efficient. He’s strong and athletic. Arkansas has the size and strength to match it, but he is a good player. Jones was someone Arkansas recruited out of the portal. He’s a sharpshooter and can get hot. Arkansas’ defense has been incredible from 3 in SEC play. They can’t go backwards against Jones on that.

Florida has a negative rebounding margin on the year. Arkansas has rebounded well. If Florida wins, improved rebounding numbers will be a big reason why!

The Razorbacks – 21-6(10-4)

Can the Hogs break the streak? One infamous streak already ended this year for Arkansas, but we won’t talk about that one.

The Razorbacks have not won a game in Gainesville since 1995. That’s 13 straight losses at the home of the Gators. Florida was one of the better programs in college basketball during that time and Arkansas wandered in mediocrity. The question still remains: How is that possible?

Florida will slow the pace drastically and has played good defense for most of the season. This is a game that will require great discipline.

Castleton will no doubt go after Jaylin Williams. He will won’t to get him in foul trouble. He is their whole offense. J-Will must remain disciplined and not get in any foul trouble. J.D. Notae must do the same. In SEC play, Florida has played at the slowest pace among the league’s teams. Possessions will be limited. Arkansas gravely needs Notae on the floor for as many of them as possible.

For Arkansas, the keys to victory are simple and consistent. This team has struggled with turnovers at times. This isn’t the game to have a bunch.

Get to the foul line. I know...sounds repetitive from past previews, but it’s important every game for this team. The offense isn’t pretty so get the chance to have some free points. Florida doesn’t have a lot of depth so load them up with bench minutes.

Rebound. The key to great defense is finishing off the possession with a rebound. Then get out and run. Transition points could play a big role in this one.

I think the Hogs end the streak on Tuesday night. This one reeks of a trap game with #4 Kentucky coming to town on Saturday, but Eric Musselman has this team playing at all cylinders right now. I believe he will have them ready. I expect another low scoring affair.

Prediction: Arkansas 68, Florida 62

GAME #27: Tennessee @ Arkansas

2022-02-19T09:15:00-06:00

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee @ Arkansas Preview

Opponent: Tennessee Volunteers
Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022
Time: 3:00PM CDT
Place: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Arkansas
TV/Streaming: ESPN
All-Time Series: Tennessee leads 23-21
All-Time Series in Fayetteville: Arkansas leads 11-4

The Volunteers – 19-6 (10-3)

Rick Barnes has another loaded roster in Knoxville this year and they have been the hottest team in the SEC as of late. The Volunteers are coming off of their biggest win of the year. They hosted Kentucky on Tuesday night and controlled the game from tip-off. It was the signature win that Tennessee needed. The Vols have beaten a short-handed LSU team and a lackluster North Carolina team. The metrics love them and now they have huge W on their resumé.

Tennessee has 3 guards that do it all. Hog fans will remember Santiago Vescovi who is now in his 3^rd year as a Volunteer. He is currently leading the team in scoring and shoots very efficiently from 3. Freshman phenom Kennedy Chandler is just .5 a point behind Vescovi for the team lead in points, but is the best distributor at 4.6 assists per game. Zakai Zeigler is the 3^rd piece of the puzzle. The tiny guy can go! He’s been the biggest surprise on this team and maybe the biggest surprise in the SEC.

The guards are the key for this team. Tennessee has some size and experience to throw at you, but it all begins and ends with the guards.

Rebounding will be a huge key on Saturday. Tennessee’s leading rebounder Olivier Nkamhuoa is now out for the season following a knee. The Vols have the size to replace him, but anytime you lose a starter it hurts.

Tennessee is winless this season Q1 opportunities away from their home floor. Satuday’s game at Arkansas is just that. A Q1 game away from home.

The Razorbacks – 20-6 (9-4)

Arkansas comes into Saturday’s game with all kinds of hype. There will be a bevy of former Hogs, a Future Hog(Jordan Walsh), and a 5-star visitor at the game. Arkansas cannot let the hype get to them. Tennessee is no slouch at all. Rick Barnes is an experienced coach and their roster is full of players who have been through it. They’ve played in hostile environments before.

There are 3 things that are absolutely paramount to Arkansas win on Saturday. 1. Get in the paint. Arkansas is a much better team when they get past the teeth of the defense for paint touches. Even if the driver passes out for an open 3, Arkansas seems to hit those 3s at a much higher rate. 2. Take care of the ball. Tennessee has been one of the best teams in the country at turning opponent’s over. Turnovers have been an issue for Arkansas this season. Today cannot be one of those days. 3. Rebound. Often times when a team gets an offensive rebound it leads to an open 3 on a kick out. Tennessee is the not the team to allow to do that. They have very capable shooters. Au’Diese Toney creating 2^nd chance points at the rim or free throw line could be huge tomorrow.

Given what we saw against Auburn, I can only imagine what a Saturday afternoon crowd will be like with all this build-up. It will truly be a special event.

Tennessee has played 3 NCAA Tournament caliber teams that defense is their strength. A healthy LSU, Texas Tech, and Texas. While Arkansas will play at a faster pace than those teams, I think the result is the same. A Tennessee loss. It will be close. It will be a tough, physical game. Give me the Hogs.

Prediction: Arkansas 70, Tennessee 65

Game #26: Arkansas @ Missouri

2022-02-15T11:15:00-06:00

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Arkansas @ Missouri Preview

Opponent: Missouri Tigers
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Time: 8:00PM CDT
Place: Mizzou Arena, Columbia, MO
TV/Streaming: SEC Network
All-Time Series: Arkansas leads 31-26
All-Time Series in Columbia: Missouri leads 16-11

The Tigers – 10-14 (4-7)

Missouri is playing teams in their home arena very tough this season and especially of late. In SEC play, the Tigers have beaten Ole Miss and Alabama at home, but their biggest lost was to Texas A&M by 3 points. They suffered two 1-point losses to Florida and Auburn.

They are no pushover in Mizzou Arena. Cuonzo Martin seems to always get teams to play his style when at home. Things won’t be easy for Arkansas. The key for this Missouri team is getting Kobe Brown going offensively. He is the leading scorer and has taken over some games. In their win against Alabama, Brown had 30 points and 13 rebounds. The big man has been held to 9 points or less in 10 games this season. Missouri is winless in those 10 games. The Tigers are 10-4 when he scores in double figures. Arkansas held Brown to 6 points on 3-11 shooting back in January.

Missouri has just had too much inconsistency from the other areas of the roster. Martin has changed starting lineups and rotations multiple times this season. To make matters worse, Mizzou will be without reserves: Anton Brookshire, Yaya Keita, and Jordan Wilmore tonight. None of those players are key contributors, but they each usually see a bit of playing time to give others a quick breather. This leaves Missouri with just 8 scholarship players tonight. Arkansas is arguably the most physical team in the SEC. Missouri could wear down in this one.

Missouri is one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the country at 28.5%. They’ll need to hit a few on Tuesday night. The Tigers also need to get Arkansas in foul trouble early, avoid giving up 2^nd chance opportunities, and take care of the ball.

The Razorbacks – 19-6 (8-4)

Hogs are looking to bounce back after one of their worst offensive performances of the season. We’ve seen some poor shooting nights with this team before, but Saturday’s was different. Arkansas was 9-25 at the rim. That is abysmal. How much different should that game have been? Alabama’s athleticism and length does make those shots more difficult, but the Hogs missed some really easy ones.

It’s time for a bounce back tonight though. You really couldn’t ask for a better opponent to try and get back on track against. Arkansas slaughtered Missouri in Fayetteville in January. The 44-point win was the start of the 9-game winning streak for the Hogs. It’s time for a new streak!

I want to see J.D. Notae get back on track tonight. He didn’t have a bad game on Saturday, but played just 4 minutes in the first half because of foul trouble. Au’Diese Toney also struggled going just 1-11 from the field. I want to see him crash the offensive glass for some easy buckets.

This is the easiest game on the schedule for Arkansas the rest of the season so it is extremely important to come away with a win. Not a 15-point win. Not a 30-point win. Just a win!

The Hogs should do that. I think the game will be competitive, but coming off a tough loss on Saturday, Arkansas will be hungry.

Prediction: Arkansas 75, Missouri 66

GAME #24: Auburn @ Arkansas

2022-02-08T14:15:00-06:00

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn @ Arkansas Preview

Opponent: Auburn Tigers
Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Time: 6:00PM CDT
Place: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Arkansas
TV/Streaming: ESPN2
All-Time Series: Arkansas leads 36-20
All-Time Series in Fayetteville: Arkansas leads 22-5

The Tigers – 22-1 (10-0)

The Razorbacks – 18-5 (7-3)

These types of games happen 3 maybe 4 times a year if you are lucky. The anticipation builds all day. Your heartrate is even accelerated. The thought of a wild crowd and a great game of basketball. You just can’t beat it.

Tonight is one of those nights. If you cheer for a program that lacks relevancy then these opportunities don’t arise. For Arkansas, we’ve had several of these games over the last few years. Tonight’s is definitely the biggest with #1 Auburn coming to BWA.

The students elected to enforce a white out as we have seen done before and it is sure to be an incredible environment.

Auburn is without a doubt the best team in the country. They are winners of 19 straight and come into tonight’s game with a lot of good wins. Their lone loss was a wild one in the Bahamas to UCONN. The game went to double overtime. Since then, Auburn has taken care of business.

There’s talent all over the roster. The Tigers leading returner was Allen Flanigan. The Little Rock native was outstanding last season. He missed the first half of the year with an injury and has been far from himself. Despite Flanigan stepping back a bit, Auburn hasn’t missed a beat.

The Tigers deploy an incredible frontcourt with the best rim protector in the country in UNC transfer Walker Kessler + the potential #1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Jabari Smith.

Starting PG Zep Jasper is doubtful for tonight’s game as he continues to battle a non-covid illness. Wendell Green has been a star off the bench and will step into that role easily.

Georgia transfer K.D. Johnson is the heart and soul of this team and fanbase. He is a lightning bolt.

Arkansas must limit 2^nd chance opportunities. This team is as physical as we have seen at Arkansas in a long, long time. The Hogs must win the physicality battle. Get to the free throw line and get Kessler in foul trouble.

Auburn’s ability to protect the paint creates a need for the Hogs to hit a few threes as well. If Arkansas can make 5-7 threes while doing a decent job at getting to the foul line and scoring around the basket then they will have a chance.

Where Arkansas has to feel good is playing this game in Bud Walton Arena. It’s Basketball Palace of Mid-America. The place will be packed, but it is deeper than that. While Auburn has won, their performances on the road have been not great as a whole. Obviously, winning is that matters, but stay with me here for a second. Arkansas is one of the hottest teams in the country that has found its’ identity. Bud Walton Arena holds 19,000 and when at its’ best is the best atmosphere in the SEC.

Auburn has not performed very well on the road as a whole. They did beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa plus a double-digit win against USCe. Aside from that, it has been tight games. That’s part of being in the SEC. Road games are so difficult. The difference in actual play at home and away has been a bit concerning though.

Arkansas is hot and has BWA behind them. Auburn could be this year’s team of destiny.

Either way, we are in for a great night.

I’ll take Auburn in a close one. Their depth is great and they give some matchup problems for Arkansas.

Prediction: Arkansas 72, Auburn 76

GAME #23: Mississippi St. @ Arkansas

2022-02-05T11:15:00-06:00

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State @ Arkansas Preview

Opponent: Mississippi State Bulldogs
Date: Saturday, February 5, 2022
Time: 7:30PM CDT
Place: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Arkansas
TV/Streaming: SEC Network
All-Time Series: Arkansas leads 34-32
All-Time Series in Fayetteville: Arkansas leads 22-8

The Bulldogs – 14-7 (5-3)

The Razorbacks - 17-5 (6-3)

Matchup #2 for these squads and the Hogs are seeking revenge. Ben Howland has been as successful as any SEC coach against Arkansas during his MSU tenure. He’s 7-2 while winning several of those games in Fayetteville. That’s been a sore spot for Hogs fans since Howland’s arrival. MSU obviously isn’t some powerhouse program, but they had have Arkansas’ number for a while now.

Today’s game holds massive weight for both teams. Arkansas is looking to keep rising in NCAAT projections. Quad 2 losses only hurt. Currently, the Hogs are projected in that 8/9 seed line. That’s a spot no one wants to be. Arkansas has to win these types of games to move up.

MSU on the other hands finds themselves on the outside looking in. A win today would be a Quad 1 win for the Bulldogs. That’s just what they need. BWA will be rabid. It won’t be easy.

The first time these teams met up, Tolu Smith was back from injury and had a huge impact on the game. J.D. Notae missed the game for Arkansas with an illness. I thought Arkansas played pretty well in the first half considering it was their first true road game of the year. The ball moved well and effort was there. At that point in the season, we hadn’t seen much of either. The 2^nd half was a totally different story. Arkansas couldn’t guard a chair with no wheels. It was painful to watch and MSU would cruise to an easy win.

This is a different Arkansas team now. They are playing their best basketball on this 7-game winning streak. The defense has been extraordinary. Arkansas will need to continue that today. Tolu Smith is listed as questionable as he continues his injury riddled season. His absence would be huge for Arkansas’ game plan. Smith has always been an issue for the Razorbacks, but how he forces the rest of the team matchup is difficult. His absence would allow Jaylin Williams to defense Garrison Brooks instead of Stanley Umude or Trey Wade. Both of those players are good defenders, but sliding every one down is a help.

I hope to see Au’Diese Toney on MSU’s star, Iverson Molinar. We all know J.D. Notae can defend well, but I like the idea of putting the bigger Toney on the assignment. Arkansas needs Notae to stay out of foul trouble so matching him up with Shakeel Moore would give him less opportunities to foul. We should see Trey Wade on D.J. Jeffries and Stanley Umude on Cameron Matthews. Arkansas just matches up so much better if Smith is out and he hasn’t played since January 15^th.

In the first matchup, Arkansas surrendered 17 turnovers and gave up 15 offensive rebounds. The rebounding numbers will be better, especially if Smith is out. The Hogs have still had their issues turning the ball over. Today that needs to change. MSU will want to slow the pace and limit possessions so you can’t afford giving the ball away.

Mississippi State is winless on the road this season so it’s hard to imagine they come into a wild BWA and win on Saturday night. Tolu Smith’s absence will prove massive as well. Allowing Jaylin Williams to defend Garrison Brooks makes everyone else’s job much easier. Give me the Hogs

Arkansas Fight: All Posts by Ben Brandon

The Portal Progress - Week 2

Updates On Commitments and Cut Lists

New Arkansas Contacts

Committed To Arkansas

Arkansas Made Cut List

Contacted By Arkansas

Contacts That Eliminated Arkansas

The Portal Progress - Week 1

The Portal Progress – Week 1

Committed To Arkansas

Arkansas Made Cut List

Contacted By Arkansas

Contacts That Eliminated Arkansas

GAME #33: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas

Texas A&M vs. Arkansas Preview

The Aggies – 22-11

The Razorbacks – 25-7

Prediction: Arkansas 72, Texas A&M 65

GAME #32: LSU vs. Arkansas Round 3

LSU vs. Arkansas Preview

The Tigers – 22-10

The Razorbacks – 24-7

Prediction: Arkansas 67, LSU 71

GAME 29: Kentucky @ Arkansas

Kentucky @ Arkansas Preview

The Wildcats – 23-5 (12-3)

The Razorbacks – 22-6 (11-4)

Prediction: Arkansas 68, Kentucky 65

GAME #28: Arkansas @ Florida

Arkansas @ Florida Preview

The Gators – 17-10(7-7)

The Razorbacks – 21-6(10-4)

Prediction: Arkansas 68, Florida 62

GAME #27: Tennessee @ Arkansas

Tennessee @ Arkansas Preview

The Volunteers – 19-6 (10-3)

The Razorbacks – 20-6 (9-4)

Prediction: Arkansas 70, Tennessee 65

Game #26: Arkansas @ Missouri

Arkansas @ Missouri Preview

The Tigers – 10-14 (4-7)

The Razorbacks – 19-6 (8-4)

Prediction: Arkansas 75, Missouri 66

GAME #24: Auburn @ Arkansas

Auburn @ Arkansas Preview

The Tigers – 22-1 (10-0)

The Razorbacks – 18-5 (7-3)

Prediction: Arkansas 72, Auburn 76

GAME #23: Mississippi St. @ Arkansas

Mississippi State @ Arkansas Preview

The Bulldogs – 14-7 (5-3)

The Razorbacks - 17-5 (6-3)

Prediction: Arkansas 74, Mississippi State 67