LSU made a splash recently with its Notice of Allegations for the Hoops Program. It’s not too much of a shock, but you have to wonder if that poses some more urgency for this season (as they may not qualify for a while). The question is how do players answer it.
LSU has a great number of computers but has struggled for a long time. They could get into the NCAA Tournament with ease but beating Arkansas would definitely get them locked out. Arkansas can be much slower. To me, Razorbacks are like a padlock.
Arkansas lost the season finale at Tennessee. There’s no shame in losing to the Vols along the way and they’re still one of the hottest teams in the country. Since Feb. 8, they’ve only lost twice for a total of 5 points (both on the road). This team has really gotten better as the season goes on.
I’m not sure that J.D. Notae is the best defender and Jaylin Williams isn’t the biggest man, but that combination might be the best in the SEC. They both struggled against Tennessee in the first half and that’s what engulfed them but everyone has a bad game from time to time.
Arkansas won both games against LSU in the regular season. They played solidly, picking up just one point on March 2.
Game Info
LSU Tigers (October 22) vs Arkansas Razorbacks (July 24)
Friday, March 11, 2022
2:30 p.m. ET
Amelie Arena, Tampa, Florida
ESPN
Betting odds
Spread: Tigers +2 (-105) Razorbacks -2 (-115)
Total: 139
Frontline: Tiger +115, Razorbacks -135
Best bet
Arkansas -2
About the only advantage I see for LSU is that they played last night, beat Mizzou, got back on track. Also, it’s hard to see anywhere in the ring where the Tigers could have a lasting advantage over the Razorbacks.
Arkansas is currently one of the most versatile teams in the country. With Williams emerging, they can score from the inside out and the only thing that is really holding them back is their ability to shoot from the outside. They’re one of the worst triple-shooters in the country and the Tigers are good at guarding the arc.
That style cancels out each other, though, so the slant still points towards the Razorbacks. LSU may be a strong defensive team overall but Arkansas has some reliable ball handlers and better balance than Notae’s 19ppg. (4 others average 8ppg to 12ppg).
The Tigers aren’t quite as strong as Arkansas in the back lane, and that’s all the more important when fatigue starts to hit LSU’s head-to-head games. Tigers forwards Tari Eason and Darius Days are two very effective forwards but they need help creating their attack. If those guys can’t get the shots they’re used to at LSU it’s going to be really hard to score.
Arkansas should prevail in circumference and that should lead to a comfortable win.
