Although the Arkansas Razorbacks 11-4 (0-2 SEC) face a challenging test today in Bud Walton Arena against the No. 8 Florida Gators 14-1 (1-1 SEC), no one should think the Razorbacks upsetting the Gators is a preposterous stretch of the imagination.
While the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers “manhandled” the Razorbacks in Knoxville, Tennessee, 76-52, and the Hogs, lacking essential competitive fire, suffered a disappointing 73-66 loss to the No. 23 Ole Miss Rebels 13-2 (2-0 SEC) in Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday night, Arkansas has demonstrated that it can compete with the best teams in the nation, starting with defeating the then No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks in an exhibition game before the regular season started and by beating the then No. 14 and now No. 24 Michigan Wolverines 12-3 (4-0 Big Ten).
CBS Sports reported Florida is only a 4.5-point favorite over Arkansas—certainly not insurmountable odds to overcome. SEC play has just begun, meaning the Hogs have sufficient time to build a conference resume that makes them eligible for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Without question, a win over Florida today will be a signature win that will shine brightly when decisions are made about the NCAA Tournament.
This article provides five key factors for the Arkansas Razorbacks to secure an upset victory in Bud Walton Arena today at 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT against the No. 8 Florida Gators, achieving their first SEC win and most notable victory of the season.
5 keys to victory for Arkansas basketball over Florida
Bud Walton Arena
While it is difficult to disagree with Patrick Geans, Razorbackers Contributor, that “The Razorback crowd helped the team take control of Wednesday’s contest early on,” Razorback fans’ energy was ephemeral. Bud Walton Arena is arguably the best and most intimidating home environment in the nation. Unfortunately, as Tommy Foltz, staff writer at Best of Arkansas Sports, has explained, Arkansas fans have brought little energy to Bud Walton Arena this season.
If Arkansas fans do not produce the electrifying atmosphere typically characteristic of a game, especially a conference game, at Bud Walton Arena, the Razorbacks will not upset Florida. At this point in the season, the Gators are playing better than the Razorbacks. Therefore, Razorback players must benefit from the edge their passionate fanbase can supply to defeat Florida.
Make shots at the rim
Although referees did not do the Hogs any favors with their poor officiating, especially not calling many conspicuous fouls as Arkansas players drove and shot close to the basket, Razorback players and John Calipari must make a deeper commitment to driving the basketball to the hoop with demonstrable strength.
Boogie Fland and DJ Wagner must recognize that it is not enough to make it to the rim; they must score or draw fouls once they arrive at the rim. In the SEC, if players are going to drive the ball down the lane to reach the basket, they must realize they cannot be soft; they must bring the requisite physicality.
Avoid long scoring droughts
With as much talent, including future NBA talent, Arkansas has, the team’s poor shooting has been the most surprising part of this season. ESPN disclosed Arkansas shot 37.7% against Tennessee, and the Razorbacks shot 37.3% against Ole Miss.
However, if the Hogs do not shoot well today, experiencing long periods without baskets, Florida will blow them out. Arkansas must be more organized and intentional on offense. Each offensive possession should reflect a coordinated effort to shoot a quality shot. John Calipari must insist that his players be more deliberate about shooting quality shots during each offensive possession. Arkansas must be active on the offensive glass to defeat Florida.
Contain Walter Clayton Jr.
While most teams, including Arkansas, cannot stop the Gators’ star senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who averages 17.5 points per game and shoots 37.3% from behind the arc, the team must attempt to contain him, especially playing quality three-point defense against him.
Arkansas has not played quality three-point defense this season. Failing to play effective three-point defense against Florida, especially against Walter Clayton Jr., will result in an Arkansas defeat. While Arkansas plays excellent defense overall, the team often squanders the energy it devotes to defending by carelessly giving its opponents quality three-point shots.
Limit Alex Condon’s rebounds
ESPN has divulged that Florida forward Alex Condon averages 10.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. While Arkansas must give serious attention to his ability to score, the Hogs must keep him off the glass, especially the offensive glass. Florida is too talented a team for the Razorbacks to surrender many second-chance opportunities.
Given the serious threats Condon poses in the interior, the Razorbacks’ interior players must be sound on offense and defense. Therefore, Jonas Aidoo, Adou Thiero, and Zvonimir Ivisic must perform well for the Hogs in the interior to have a legitimate chance to upset the Gators.