Miami Hurricanes vs Arkansas Razorbacks Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

Arkansas Visits Skidding Miami in Battle of Veteran Coaches

Miami’s Struggles Continue

Miami (3-4) enters Tuesday night’s ACC/SEC Challenge matchup against Arkansas (5-2) looking to rebound from a four-game losing streak, punctuated by a shocking 82-73 loss to Charleston Southern on Saturday. The Hurricanes were heavy favorites but faltered without their leading scorer and playmaker, Nijel Pack, who missed the game due to a lower-body injury. Pack, averaging 15.2 points and 4.7 assists per game, remains a question mark for Tuesday’s contest.

In Pack’s absence, five-star freshman Jalil Bethea made his first start. However, Bethea has yet to meet expectations, averaging 6.3 points per game on 30.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

“We haven’t been able to put together a solid defensive effort,” Miami coach Jim Larranaga admitted. “Some of it has to do with fundamentals. Some of it has to do with athletic ability. Some of it has to do with size.”

Indeed, Miami ranks 284th nationally in rebounds and 259th in blocked shots, areas that could prove problematic against a bigger, more physical Arkansas team.

Arkansas Seeking a Bounce-Back

Arkansas is also coming off a loss, having fallen to Illinois on a neutral court in Kansas City during Thanksgiving week. The Razorbacks, led by first-year coach John Calipari, are still finding their rhythm after integrating seven transfers and five freshmen into the roster.

“We’ve got a lot to learn,” Calipari said. “But this team is going to be fine.”

Adou Thiero, a 6-foot-8 wing and former Kentucky player, has been a standout, leading Arkansas in scoring (19.1 points), rebounds (5.9), and steals (2.9). Zvonimir Ivisic, a towering 7-foot-2 center, anchors the defense with 2.7 blocks per game while chipping in 12.1 points.

Freshman point guard Boogie Fland has also impressed, averaging 15.9 points and a team-high 4.9 assists. His ability to orchestrate Arkansas’ offense and create defensive pressure (1.9 steals per game) makes him a critical piece for the Razorbacks.

The Razorbacks’ depth is bolstered by experienced big men like Jonas Aidoo and Trevon Brazile, who have combined for 92 career starts. Their presence gives Arkansas a physical edge, particularly against a Miami squad that struggles on the boards.

Today’s NCAAB Picks from the Pros! Discover college basketball expert picks for top insights.

Key Matchup: Arkansas’ Size vs. Miami’s Perimeter Play

Miami’s path to victory hinges on improved shooting and defensive discipline. If Pack returns, his playmaking will be critical in countering Arkansas’ size and defensive aggression. Without him, Miami will need Bethea and Isaiah Wong to step up offensively.

For Arkansas, the game plan revolves around exploiting Miami’s rebounding deficiencies and using their depth to wear down the Hurricanes. Thiero and Ivisic will aim to dominate the paint, while Fland orchestrates the attack from the perimeter.

What’s at Stake

The game pits two veteran coaches against each other—Larranaga, 75, and Calipari, 65—in a high-stakes matchup for both programs. Miami is desperate to stop the skid and avoid further early-season turmoil, while Arkansas seeks to reestablish momentum heading into conference play.

Tuesday’s clash in Coral Gables will test both teams’ resilience and reveal which one can adapt better to adversity.