Arkansas vs. LSU Preview: Razorbacks Look to Stay Hot, Tigers Search for Answers
Tip-Off Time & Location
Saturday, 4 p.m.
CT
Bud Walton Arena (Capacity: 19,200) - Fayetteville, Arkansas
Records
Arkansas: 14-5 overall, 4-2 in SEC play
LSU: 13-6 overall, 1-5 in the SEC
Recent Form
Arkansas comes in with a bit of momentum, having won seven of its last ten and picking up a convincing win over Vanderbilt earlier this week. LSU, meanwhile, has stumbled through conference play, going just 1-5 in the SEC and splitting its last ten games at 5-5.
Coaching Matchup
John Calipari is in his second season at Arkansas, and the Hall of Famer has the Razorbacks trending upward again. He's 37-18 at the helm in Fayetteville and owns an impressive 891-282 record over his 34-year career.
On the other side, Matt McMahon enters his fourth season at LSU with a 58-59 mark in Baton Rouge. His overall record, including his time at Murray State, sits at 212-125. But pressure is mounting in Baton Rouge, and this season’s SEC struggles have only intensified the scrutiny.
Series Snapshot
Arkansas leads the all-time series 44-37 and has had the upper hand recently.
The last time these two met, the Razorbacks took care of business at home with a 70-58 win on Feb. 12, 2025.
Broadcast Information
- TV: SEC Network (also available via WatchESPN.com and ESPN app)
- Play-by-play: Roy Philpott
- Analyst: Randolph Childress
- Radio: Razorback Sports Network Play-by-play: Chuck Barrett Analyst: Matt Zimmerman Available via local affiliates and the Varsity Network app (blackouts may apply)
Game Notes & Storylines
Weather Shifts the Schedule
Saturday’s tip-off was moved up from 7:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. due to a winter storm expected to drop 8-12 inches of snow in the Fayetteville area. The weather has impacted events across the country, including Arkansas’ scheduled gymnastics meet with Southeast Missouri State.
LSU’s Injury Woes Continue
The Tigers haven’t had much luck on the health front.
Dedan Thomas, the highly touted UNLV transfer, missed the first five SEC games, while forward Jalen Reed hasn’t suited up since a Nov. 29 win over DePaul. It’s been a revolving door for LSU’s rotation, and it’s shown in their inconsistent play.
All Eyes on Darius Acuff
Even in a conference loaded with talent, Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff stands out.
Averaging 19.6 points and 6.2 assists per game, Acuff had a streak of five straight SEC Freshman of the Week honors snapped on Monday - a run that broke the conference record. Alabama’s Amari Allen took home the award this week, but Acuff remains one of the most electric young guards in the country and a projected one-and-done NBA Draft pick.
Lineup Shake-Up Pays Off
Calipari made a bold move ahead of Tuesday’s game against Vanderbilt, inserting Meleek Thomas and Karter Knox into the starting lineup in place of D.J.
Wagner and Billy Richmond. The result?
A dominant 93-68 win over the 15th-ranked Commodores. The new-look lineup gave the Hogs a jolt of energy and balance, and it’ll be interesting to see if the same group gets the nod against LSU.
Rankings Check
Arkansas enters the weekend ranked No. 20 in the latest AP Top 25, a testament to their recent surge and strong non-conference résumé. LSU, despite receiving votes earlier in the season, was left off all ballots in Monday’s update - a reflection of their current SEC slide.
What’s at Stake
For Arkansas, this is about building consistency. With a new starting five clicking and SEC play heating up, the Razorbacks have a chance to solidify their place near the top of the conference standings and continue climbing the national rankings.
For LSU, this is about survival. The Tigers are desperate for a spark, and a win in Fayetteville would be a much-needed jolt for a team trying to get back on track - and for a coach whose seat is getting warmer by the week.
With talent on both sides and plenty of storylines in play, Saturday’s matchup sets the stage for a pivotal SEC showdown.