The Arkansas Razorbacks, fresh off a 68-65 win over Georgia for their first SEC victory of the John Calipari era, will host Oklahoma. The Razorbacks aim for back-to-back conference wins against a Sooners team that also has just one SEC win this season. Both teams are coming off their first conference victories, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling matchup between two programs eager for momentum.
Previewing Oklahoma
In their most recent game, an 82-62 victory over South Carolina, the Sooners were led by forward Jalon Moore, who scored 22 points. Moore has been Oklahoma’s leading scorer this season and also leads the team in rebounding with 6.3 boards per game. Guard Jeremiah Fears has also been a key contributor, leading the team in assists 4.4 and steals 1.9 per game while averaging 16.8 points.
As a team, the Sooners are highly efficient shooters, ranking second in the SEC with a 48.6% field goal percentage. Defensively, Oklahoma doesn’t block many shots, averaging just 2.7 per game, but they force turnovers with 8.9 steals per game. Four Sooners players average at least one steal per contest.
Previewing Arkansas
In their first game without freshman guard Boogie Fland, the Razorbacks pieced together a second-half comeback to secure their first SEC win of the season. Adou Thiero continues to shine, leading Arkansas with 16.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. Thiero’s production will be vital as the Hogs navigate the remainder of the season without Fland.
Arkansas will need more players to step up to maintain their momentum. Against Georgia, Karter Knox emerged with 13 points, six rebounds, a steal, and a block. The Razorbacks will need similar contributions from Knox or increased offensive output from guards DJ Wagner and Johnell Davis. Wagner and Davis struggled offensively in the win over Georgia, combining to shoot just 6-for-28 from the field, but their defensive efforts, which included four combined steals, were pivotal.
Broadcast Information
Time: 7:30 p.m. CST
Date: Jan. 25
Location: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: ESPN2