After a close loss at Michigan State, Arkansas will return to Fayetteville to take on in-state opponent Central Arkansas. The Hoop Hogs have four players averaging double-digit points and will look to bounce back after their close road defeat. This will be the 10th meeting between the programs, and Arkansas remains undefeated against the Bears.
Previewing Central Arkansas
The Bears dropped their season opener at North Carolina before earning their first win of the season against Champion Christian on Nov. 8. Only two players are averaging double figures for Central Arkansas. Guard Ty Robinson leads the team with 12.5 points per game, while forward Cole McCormick adds 10.5 points per contest. The Bears have shot 43.1 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from three, and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line.
Guard Rashad Bolden leads the team in rebounds with five per game. While guard Cam Hunter, the 2021-22 ASUN Freshman of the Year and a preseason All-ASUN selection, provides veteran leadership in the backcourt. With only two players listed at 6-foot-9 or taller, Central Arkansas will face a size disadvantage against the Hogs, who have five players at least 6-foot-10.
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Previewing Arkansas
After a close road loss to Michigan State, the Hogs will aim to get back on track against Central Arkansas. The freshman duo of Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas have led the way offensively, averaging 19 and 18.5 points per game, respectively. Alongside them in the backcourt, DJ Wagner leads the team in steals and is tied with Acuff for the team lead in assists at five per game.
Arkansas’ size could play a major role in this matchup. The Hogs’ frontcourt of Trevon Brazile, Nick Pringle, and Malique Ewin will have a clear advantage. Brazile had a quiet night against Michigan State with three points but posted 25 in the season opener against Southern. Ewin has averaged five points through two games but has proven scoring potential after finishing as Florida State’s second-leading scorer last season. Pringle fouled out against Michigan State but filled the stat sheet with six points, seven rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and an assist.
Hogs to Watch
Brazile will look to bounce back offensively after a slow outing and could be a focal point against a smaller UCA lineup. Darius Acuff Jr. has been consistent early, averaging 19 points and five assists per game, while Meleek Thomas continues to provide a scoring punch and defensive energy off the bench. Keep an eye on Nick Pringle’s interior presence. His rebounding and rim protection could set the tone early for Arkansas.
Broadcast Information
Time: 7 p.m. CT
Date: Nov. 11
Location: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: SEC Network+
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