After losing on the road to Texas A&M, Arkansas stays on the road to face No. 1 Auburn. This game presents a significant opportunity for the Razorbacks, who are on the NCAA tournament bubble, but a loss would not be a major setback.
Previewing Auburn
Johni Broome has been Auburn’s best player this season and one of the top performers in college basketball. He leads the Tigers in points, rebounds, assists and blocks per game, averaging 18.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.7 blocks while shooting 50.3% from the field, 61.1% from the free-throw line and 30% from three-point range.
The Tigers also have five other players averaging double-digit points. Chad Baker-Mazara (12.3), Tahaad Pettiford (11.6), Miles Kelly (10.9), Denver Jones (10.7) and Chaney Johnson (10.4). With multiple scoring threats, Arkansas will need a strong defensive performance to stay competitive.
Auburn ranks third in the SEC in scoring, averaging 84.8 points per game, and is tied for the best shooting percentage in the conference at 48.6%. Defensively, the Tigers allow just 67.7 points per game, ranking fifth in the SEC, and lead the nation with 6.8 blocks per game.
Previewing Arkansas
The Razorbacks will need to find offensive success against one of the nation’s top scoring teams. Adou Thiero, one of Arkansas’ go-to players, has struggled in the past two games, totaling just 16 points after averaging 15.8 per game on the season. He will need to have a bigger impact in this matchup.
Johnell Davis had been shooting well but struggled against Texas A&M, scoring seven points on 3-of-13 shooting. He will need to knock down shots and help space the floor.
Freshman Karter Knox is coming off his best conference game, scoring 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. Another strong performance from him could give Arkansas a chance.
Zvonimir Ivisic has been one of the team’s most consistent scorers. Over the last three games, he is averaging 21.6 points and 3.6 blocks per game. He will play a crucial role on both ends of the floor against Broome and the Tigers.
Broadcast Information
Time: 8 p.m. CST
Date: Feb. 19
Location: Neville Arena, Auburn, Ala.
TV: ESPN
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