Deep Dive Thread for Arkansas

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The Razorbacks are coached by John Calipari in his 2nd season in Fayetteville, where he looks to build on their Sweet 16 appearance last season. Arkansas currently sits at 19-6 and 9-3 in conference, which is good for lone second place currently.

Arkansas is led in scoring and assists by the SEC leader in both categories, superstar freshman 6-3 Darius Acuff. Acuff is an elite shooter from deep at over 43% and is not afraid of taking the midrange pull-up game if you run him off the line. He has over a 3 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio and is the engine behind this Arkansas offensive attack.

You have to stay attached to Acuff at all times because he is elite behind the arc. https://x.com/RazorbackMBB/status/2022867788512067908?s=20

The Razorbacks’ second-leading scorer is another freshman in 6-5 Meleek Thomas. Since being added into the starting lineup in the middle of January, Thomas has scored in double figures every game but one. Thomas is a solid volume 3pt shooter at over 38% from deep, who does a great job not turning over the basketball as a secondary ball handler.

Thomas has a quick release so you have to stay attached.https://x.com/RazorbackMBB/status/2020191446544855208?s=20

Their leader in rebounds, blocks, and steals is super athletic 6-10 Trevon Brazile. Brazile plays above the rim with incredible athleticism and does a great job defensively rebounding where he can help push the ball in transition. He has done a good job blocking shots without fouling this season and plays with a ton of experience. He is capable of shooting behind the arc at almost 37% but typically does his damage around the rim.

Brazile is a spark plug and his highlight plays help energize the team. https://x.com/RazorbackMBB/status/2022872810666758552?s=20

Arkansas’s last 2 starters are 6-6 Billy Richmond and 6-10 Nick Pringle. Richmond has been a 2pt specialist this season at 69% from 2 on the season. He has done it playing above the rim as well as through a solid midrange game. Nick Pringle, Alabama fans should know well from his time in Tuscaloosa. He has been a solid offensive rebounder and lob threat around the rim, which plays with a solid amount of energy.

Richmond turns defense to offense and plays above the rim. https://x.com/RazorbackMBB/status/2022881460051439844?s=20

The main rotation piece over the last few weeks has been 6-10 Florida State transfer Malique Ewin. Ewin adds another rim protector who does a great job blocking shots and an elite offensive rebounder sitting top 25 in OReb Rate. Ewin does a great job finishing around the rim and drawing fouls, so keeping him off the offensive glass will need to be a key.

The only 2 other rotation pieces you will see are 6-4 DJ Wagner and 6-6 Karter Knox. Both guys are returning from injuries, having just played 6 minutes versus Auburn after missing a few games. Knox has been more efficient behind the arc this season, while Wagner does a solid job facilitating without turning over the basketball.

Arkansas as a team has an elite offense which has had tons of success due to their lack of turnovers and their efficiency inside the arc. Arkansas is first in the SEC in 2pt percentage in conference, which is where they get over 60% of their points. They do not take a ton of 3s, but they have been very effective when they take them, shooting over 37% as a team. Finally, they have done a great job blocking shots on the defensive end of the floor.

In order for Alabama to have success, it needs to be in a few ways. Alabama must take care of the basketball. Arkansas has not forced a ton of steals on the season, but when they do, it gets them out in transition where they have been great. In almost all of their losses, Arkansas has turned over the ball and allowed their opponent to shoot well from 3. Alabama needs to have the 3 be the great equalizer if they want a win in Coleman tonight.

My player to watch is Labaron Philon. Philon has had 3 or more turnovers in every loss for Alabama this season. He also will be drawing the matchup against Darius Acuff. Alabama needs Philon to get back to the defense we know he is capable of and take care of the basketball for Alabama to have success. Whichever PG dictates the game likely leads his team to victory.

The winner of this game will own the tiebreaker over the other and be tied heading into the final 5 games of conference play. Simply put, this game is massive for SEC and NCAA tournament seeding hopes. Arkansas this season has struggled beating good teams on the road, so I have Alabama pulling out what should be a very close game.

Prediction: Alabama 95 - Arkansas 91

I broke down this game even further over on my YouTube Channel. Check it out and Subscribe for More Alabama Basketball. https://youtu.be/sfHRmcNlXKA