LSU vs. Arkansas: Game Preview, Prediction

By Tim Letcher
Justin Ford, USA TODAY SPORTS
Justin Ford, USA TODAY SPORTS

The LSU Tigers visit the 18th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday in the regular season finale for both teams.

At this point, both of these appear to be NCAA Tournament teams, although LSU could use one more good win. That’s especially true after the Tigers lost, at home, to the Tennessee Volunteers on Wednesday night, dropping their record to 21-9 overall and 10-7 in the SEC.

Head coach Johnny Jones and his team have a powerful one-two punch inside with Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey. Martin averages 16.6 points and nine rebounds per game, while Mickey scores 16 points, grabs 9.9 rebounds and blocks 3.7 shots each time out.

LSU’s guards have also gotten better as the season has moved forward. Shooting guard Keith Hornsby averages 13.2 points per game, while point guard Tim Quarterman posts 11.7 points per outing.

Arkansas got a big scare on Thursday night, but survived to beat the South Carolina Gamecocks 78-74 in Columbia. The Razorbacks are now 24-6 on the season, including a 13-4 mark in the SEC heading into Saturday’s contest.

Sophomore big man Bobby Portis, who may be the SEC Player of the Year, averages 17.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for the Hogs. Michael Qualls averages 15.3 points per game for head coach Mike Anderson and the Razorbacks.

LSU has been a mystery all season. At times, they appear to be a team that can’t be stopped. But at other times, it appears that they are disinterested at best. That, combined with Arkansas playing at home, gives this game to the Hogs.

Final score prediction: Arkansas 78, LSU 69

Tim Letcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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