Should we be worried about the Arkansas Basketball team?

The Arkansas Basketball team is at a low point in the 2021-22 season and it’s giving fans and experts alike pause about the team’s ability to make it to the NCAA March Madness Tournament.

The Hogs lost their SEC opener to Mississippi State 81-68 on the road and on short notice. The game, originally set for a 8 p.m. start time, was moved up to 4 p.m. on less than a day’s notice.

The Razorbacks have now lost three of their last four games— all to unranked opponents.

What’s going on with the Arkansas Basketball team?

JD Notae, the team’s leading scorer, was notably absent from the line-up due to illness, according to multiple reports.

It was also revealed that Kamani Johnson, who averages 3.4 points and 3 rebounds per game has been suspended indefinitely.

Arkansas Head Coach Eric Musselman rolled out a starting line-up of:

• Chris Lykes
• Davonte Davis
• Jaxson Robinson
• Trey Wade
• Jaylin Williams

The team was already facing an up-hill battle. It’s very difficult to win on the road in the SEC and the Hogs were playing a team that has been playing great defense.

When you have the team’s leading scorer out of the game, you hope that someone will step-up in his absence.

The Hogs couldn’t overcome their 17 turnovers or shooting just 14 free throws in the game (10 of 14 from the line). The Bulldogs had double the amount of foul shot attempts (22 for 28)

Stanley Umude recorded a team-high 19 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough.

It’s understandable for Razorback fans to worry about the team, especially losing these games that seem very winnable.

But, with the game starting early on short notice, Notae being out and the distraction of Johnson being suspended, there were several factors that played into Arkansas losing this game. There should be a slight level of concern, but not panic.

The Hogs have an opportunity to bounce back at home against Vandy Jan. 4. If the Hogs lose that game, then there will start to be real concerns about this team moving forward.