Game Preview: Arkansas Razorbacks vs LSU Tigers
By Jose Harber
The Arkansas Razorbacks are looking to get their second win in four days against the LSU Tigers.
The good news: the Hogs ended their three game skid. The bad: it was against Missouri and, well, that doesn’t mean a whole lot. It is a nice little boost heading into tonight against LSU. It’s been a rough season for Arkansas (although it was expected) but they still have a chance to end on a good note. They would basically have to win out and nab a couple in the SEC tournament to get any post season play. That doesn’t mean they cant try to spoil LSU’s bid for the big dance while getting better as a team. The Tigers won’t have Keith Hornsby (hit a buzzer beater last year to beat the Hogs) who was their second leading scorer at 13.1 but they have three other players in double-digit scoring.
LSU is on two game losing streak with loses coming at the hands of Alabama and Tennessee. It’s very possible that the Tigers fold again under the pressure of Bud Walton Arena. LSU usually draws a big crowd and it’s the second to last game at home for the Hogs this season. Everyone knows about Ben Simmons who is averaging 19.4 ppg, 11.9 rpg, and 5 apg. He is the real deal but even he can barely carry this team. Moses Kingsley is our only player who can match up with Simmons. He’ll have the pleasant task of trying to slow down the freshman stud. The Hogs will most likely try to double team him more often since LSU’s second scoring option will be sidelined. The Tigers are one game back in the SEC race behind Kentucky and according to Joe Lunardi, their part of the next four out. Like Arkansas, LSU will need to win out for any chance to make the the NCAA tournament.
Arkansas and LSU are almost identical in points scored and points allowed. Arkansas averages 79.9 ppg and LSU averages 80.1. They both, however, only give up an average of 76.1 ppg. Going by stats, both teams are about as even as any two teams can be. Maybe not a big surprise considering the Tigers edged out the Hogs 76-74 last time they met. The Arkansas Razorbacks will need what they always need, a healthy mix of post play and 3 point shooting combined with a conscious effort on defense. It will be important for them to try to make shots early, gain some confidence and get on a roll. If Dusty Hannahs and Anthlon Bell are both off, it will be hard for the Hogs to generate enough offense from Moses Kingsley and Jabril Durham. They need at least three players to score double digits to have a chance to win. Sounds simple but we all know that nothing with this team is simple.
Keys to the Game
STOP BEN SIMMONS: Sure it sounds simple, but everyone knows Simmons can take a game over. Without Hornsby, Simmons may feel he has to do more than usual. Could be good or bad for the Hogs, just depends on how effective they are at stopping him. He may tire himself out or just try to do too much. Either way they need to force him out of his game.
PLAY DEFENSE: Again, it sounds simple but time and time again we have seen the Arkansas Razorbacks fold under the pressure. Most recently when they lost to Auburn at home. They forced 21 turnovers, scored 86 points but let the Tigers score 90 in BWA. They can’t do that tonight. The Hogs aren’t a team that can win a close race, they need to finish a few strides in front to secure a W.
START OFF FAST: When the Hogs can get a quick start, they tend to stay hot. If Bell or Hannahs can knock a few threes down early it opens up the whole floor. It also means they might stay hot for most of the game and we all know that when they’re feeling it, it bodes well for Arkansas. Durham had 17 points last game and if he can contribute more offensively, it takes a ton of pressure off Kingsley/Bell/Hannahs. It’s his second to last game at home so look for Durham to go all out.
Game tips at 6 pm central time on ESPNU or you can stream it live on Watch ESPN.
Woo Pig.