After winning back-to-back road games against Kentucky and Texas, Arkansas returns home to face No. 3 Alabama. The Razorbacks are coming off a 78-70 win over the Longhorns on Feb. 5, while the Crimson Tide have had a week of rest following their 90-69 victory over Georgia on Feb. 1.
Previewing Alabama
The Crimson Tide are putting together another impressive season under head coach Nate Oats. They boast the nation’s top-ranked offense, averaging 90.2 points per game, and rank second in the country in rebounding with 44.8 per game. Alabama has only lost one SEC game this season, falling to Ole Miss on Jan. 14.
Guard Mark Sears leads the Crimson Tide, averaging a team-high 18.1 points and 5.1 assists per game. He is shooting 40.4% from the field, 35.9% from three-point range, and 83.1% from the free-throw line.
Forward Grant Nelson has been dominant in the paint for Alabama, leading the team with 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while also contributing 12.8 points per contest.
Previewing Arkansas
The Razorbacks are beginning to resemble the team many expected after a disappointing 0-5 start to conference play. With two consecutive Quad 1 wins, Arkansas is back in the NCAA Tournament conversation. In Joe Lunardi’s latest Men’s Bracketology: 2025 NCAA Tournament update, the Razorbacks are listed as the first team out, meaning they need more quality wins to secure a tournament berth.
The victory over Texas validated that the win against Kentucky was no fluke. A key factor in Arkansas’ recent success has been Johnell Davis, who is averaging 20 points and 3.3 steals over the last three games. Davis, one of the most sought-after transfers in the country, struggled with consistency early in the season, but the Razorbacks will need him to maintain this level of play to continue their push toward March Madness.
Adou Thiero has been a consistent force for Arkansas, scoring in double figures in all but three games this season. He leads the team in scoring, rebounding, and steals, averaging 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. The Hogs have relied on Thiero this season and will look to continue this down the stretch.
Broadcast Information
Time: 7:30 p.m. CST
Date: Feb. 8
Location: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: ESPN
Discover more from Inside Arkansas
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.