Arkansas Basketball: 3 intriguing non-conference matchups
By Max Hoover
Arkansas Basketball Intriguing Matchup #1: Maui Invitational Tournament
Ok, so we’re cheating on this first one since Arkansas basketball will get three games in three days as part of the Maui Invitational Tournament in Lahaina, Hawaii, on November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. This will be Arkansas basketball’s fourth time participating in this tournament.
Arkansas has historically been an average performer in this tournament, with a 5-5 overall record after trips in 1991, 2005, and 2013.
In 1991, Arkansas entered the tournament ranked second in the nation and won their first two games against Minnesota and Chaminade. However, the Razorbacks lost the championship game against Michigan State 78-59.
In 2005, Arkansas finished sixth in the tournament after a first-round loss to Connecticut, a second-round win over Kansas, and a third-round loss to Maryland.
The 2013 Maui Invitational took a different format. Early-round games were played throughout the country before teams headed to Hawaii. Arkansas basketball won its first-round game against Louisiana-Lafayette in Fayetteville.
In Hawaii, the Razorbacks went 1-2. First, the Hogs lost to California in the Quarterfinals. They then beat #13 Minnesota by 14 in the consolation second round before losing to #11 Gonzaga in the fifth-place game.
Arkansas basketball will face Louisville in game one. For game two, Arkansas will play either Texas Tech or Creighton, both Top 25 teams according to Ken Pom rankings. Also in the field are Arizona, Cincinnati, Ohio State, and San Diego State.
Whatever the results, we should know early in the season if Arkansas basketball is for real or not.