Arkansas basketball‘s search for a conference victory continues as the Razorbacks (11-7, 0-5 SEC) welcome Georgia to Bud Walton Arena.
The Hogs and Bulldogs (14-4, 2-3) are both stumbling into Wednesday night (8 p.m., SEC network). Arkansas went 0-2 last week with road losses to LSU and Missouri, and John Calipari revealed that star freshman point guard Boogie Fland is dealing with a hand injury.
Georgia is also in the middle of a two-game losing streak, coming off defeats against Auburn and Tennessee. The Bulldogs already have league victories over Kentucky and Oklahoma, but both of those wins came at home.
Here is a scouting report and prediction for the Razorbacks‘ next SEC home game against Georgia.
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How does Arkansas basketball guard Asa Newell?
The 6-foot-11 freshman is averaging 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, leading the Bulldogs in both categories. He’s an athletic big who gets to the basket off the dribble, posting up and making backdoor cuts. He’s also a serviceable jump shooter, hitting 31.6% of his 3-pointers.
There is no obvious Razorback to take the Newell matchup. Newell could stretch Jonas Aidoo away from the basket and punish the alternatives inside the paint. John Calipari will need a strong game plan to nullify Newell, who ESPN recently ranked as the 21st-best prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Can Big Z replicate his latest performance?
Arkansas players just haven’t been able to produce consistent performances in the SEC. The latest player tasked with that challenge is Zvonimir Ivisic.
After scoring three total points in the Hogs’ first four conference games, Ivisic produced 14 points and 10 rebounds in Saturday’s loss to Missouri. He made a pair of 3-pointers and was an effective screener in the pick-and-roll, generating multiple easy dunks.
Another double-double seems unlikely, but Ivisic was a non-factor prior to this weekend. The Razorbacks need him to become a valuable piece of the rotation.
What are the Razorbacks made of?
This is a gut-check week for the Hogs. They have two winnable home games before taking a week off. The next game is Calipari’s reunion with Kentucky.
Arkansas simply has to win these next two games if it wants any chance at making the NCAA Tournament. The national media is writing stories about Calipari’s decline and this team has now heard for three weeks its one of the worst in the SEC.
Coaching and matchups will only be part of the equation Wednesday night. Arkansas needs to want this game more and show that desire in front of its home fans.
Prediction
The SEC drought ends against Georgia. The Hogs will do enough against Newell and their backcourt will have a strong night. If Arkansas loses to the Bulldogs, the calendar might officially turn toward baseball season. Arkansas 77, Georgia 72.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas basketball vs Georgia: Scouting report, prediction
