Missouri Tigers vs Arkansas Razorbacks Picks and Predictions January 18th 2025

Arkansas Seeks Redemption Against Red-Hot Missouri

The Arkansas Razorbacks, reeling from a winless start in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, head to Columbia, Missouri, on Saturday to face the surging Missouri Tigers. With Arkansas coach John Calipari urging resilience and Missouri coming off a statement win, this matchup highlights two teams with contrasting fortunes.

Arkansas: Fighting to Find Their Footing

A promising 11-2 nonconference start has given way to a challenging SEC schedule for Arkansas. The Razorbacks (11-6, 0-4 SEC) find themselves in an uncharacteristic slump, losing four straight conference games, including a narrow 78-74 defeat at LSU on Tuesday.

Coach John Calipari is taking a positive approach despite the skid. “I thought we played [with] more joy than we have,” Calipari said of the LSU game. “I’m not cracking, so let’s just keep going. Let’s get ready for the next one.”

The Razorbacks’ struggles have been compounded by their inability to close out games against ranked SEC opponents like Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Florida. Still, individual bright spots remain, particularly guard Boogie Fland and forward Adou Thiero.

Fland, who scored 19 points and dished out five assists against LSU, is averaging 15.7 points and 5.7 assists per game. Thiero has been a consistent force inside, leading the team with 16.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest.

Calipari acknowledged the challenges his team faces, emphasizing the need for collective growth: “They’re trying. I just got to do a better job. I feel bad for them. I’m going to have to drag them across the finish line on some of these games.”

Missouri: Building Momentum

Missouri (14-3, 3-1 SEC) enters the game riding high after a thrilling 83-82 upset of No. 5 Florida on the road. The Tigers have solidified their NCAA Tournament credentials with a deep, balanced roster and contributions from experienced leaders.

Sixth-year guard Caleb Grill has been a game-changer since returning from a neck injury. Over the last three games, Grill has scored 45 points, shooting an impressive 50% from beyond the arc. His 22-point performance against Florida, including clutch free throws in the final seconds, underscored his impact.

“That was one of the more resilient victories I’ve ever been a part of,” Grill said. “And everyone knows I’ve been in college forever.”

The Tigers boast a balanced attack with four players averaging double figures. Forward Mark Mitchell leads with 13.6 points per game, while guards Tamar Bates (12.8), Grill (12.2), and Anthony Robinson II (10.7) provide consistent scoring threats.

Key Matchups

1. Boogie Fland vs. Missouri’s Guards: Arkansas will rely on Fland’s playmaking and scoring to ignite their offense. Matching up against Missouri’s perimeter threats, including Grill and Bates, will test Fland’s two-way game.
2. Adou Thiero vs. Mark Mitchell: Thiero’s inside presence will be crucial for Arkansas to compete on the boards and establish a paint game. Mitchell, a versatile forward, will look to exploit any defensive lapses.
3. Caleb Grill’s Hot Hand: Missouri’s sharpshooter could be a decisive factor if his recent form continues. Arkansas must prioritize limiting his open looks from deep.

What’s at Stake

For Arkansas, Saturday’s game is a chance to stop the bleeding and avoid a deeper slide in the SEC standings. Calipari’s team needs a signature win to regain confidence and reassert their competitiveness in conference play.

Missouri, on the other hand, looks to extend their momentum and strengthen their bid for an NCAA Tournament berth. A win over Arkansas would further bolster their resume and keep them near the top of the SEC standings.

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Conclusion

Saturday’s clash in Columbia presents a critical moment for both programs. Arkansas is desperate to reverse their fortunes, while Missouri aims to capitalize on their upward trajectory. With star players on both sides and plenty at stake, fans can expect an intense and high-energy SEC battle. Will Arkansas rise to the occasion, or will Missouri’s depth and resilience prevail? The answer awaits in this pivotal showdown.