Hoops: LSU (11-5,1-1) @ Arkansas (12-4,1-1) - Sat 8pm - TV: FSN

Basketball: LSU (11-5,1-1) @ Arkansas (12-4,1-1) | Sat 8PM | TV:FSN

SoS’s Power Rankings 1/8/12 (updated every Sunday)
1. Kentucky
2. Florida
3. Vanderbilt
4. Alabama
5. Miss St
6. LSU
7. Arkansas
8. Tennessee
9. South Carolina
10. Ole Miss
11. Georgia
12. Auburn

General Overview

Arkansas is a team that has played very differently depending on where the game has been played. When playing at Bud Walton Arena (where this one is being played) they are 12-0. When playing away from their home court, they are 0-4 including a loss to Houston in Little Rock and a loss at Ole Miss (both teams we beat). I feel very confident that LSU can beat them at home, but I am a little worried going into Fayetteville. They play 4 freshmen a lot and have made some rookie mistakes. Overall, they don’t play the greatest defense, but they like to score a ton of points. They haven’t played very stout competition at home so that could be part of the reason they have had so much success at home.

One of their biggest problems thus far this season has been giving up offensive rebounds. LSU MUST be able to get second chance scoring. As long as the Tigers can get their points and get on the boards this should be a very competitive game. Look for Hamilton to have a great game and Storm to have some electric offensive rebound putbacks going up against the freshman.


Schedule and SEC stakes

This game is much more important to Arkansas than LSU. If Arkansas wants to make the NCAA tourney they need to step up their game, especially at home. I’d like LSU to be able to win both vs Arkansas but splitting the 2 game series would be fine for LSU. If LSU can pull this game it could be the one that pushes LSU to a possible 10 win SEC season, which is my guess at the magic number. There are a few that we don’t NEED to win but it would be nice and this is one of those.

PG Matchup

#1 Anthony Hickey 5’10” 172 Freshman
Vs.

#23 Julysses Nobles 6’1” 174 Junior

2 Guard Matchup

#10 Andre Stringer 5’9” 170 Sophomore
Vs.

#3 Rickey Scott 6’3” 202 Sophomore

3 Guard Matchup

#22 Ralston Turner 6’6” 193 Sophomore
Vs.

#1 Mardracus Wade 6’2” 175 Sophomore

Forward Matchup

#24 Storm Warren 6’7” 230 Senior
Vs.

#4 Devonta Abron 6’8” 255 Freshman

Center Matchup

#41 Justin Hamilton 7’0” 260 Junior
Vs.

#31 Michael Sanchez 6’8”236 Senior

Stats:


Arkansas brings a few of their freshman off the pine but they play long minutes. They have an oddly shaped lineup playing mostly small guards. Hopefully this can help Turner a 6’6” guard get some separation and make some shots. They have allowed a ton of points to teams, so I think LSU should be able to score some.

Prediction:
LSU 71 Arkansas 67