Indiana Aims for Revenge in Showdown with Arkansas
Written By: Ben Malcomson (@BenMalcomson @iuheartland)
Ben’s Thoughts
Before diving into our matchup this season with Arkansas, it’s fair to ask the question, “How many Indiana fans expected to see the team sitting at a respectable 12-1 heading into the final non-conference game of the season?”
This question isn’t intended to knock the program nor the fans. If I were to flash back before the 2019-2020 campaign got under way, I personally had the Hoosiers sitting at 12-1 heading into December 29th.
The only loss? On the road to Wisconsin where it feels the Kohl Center always proves to be a tough challenge.
To go one step further, I also have them sitting at 12-1 heading into the heart of B1G play. Their 12th victory being sweet as revenge itself. Looking back before the announcement of the NCAA tournament bracket, last year’s contest with the Razorbacks proved to be one of the games that IU really needed to propel them into the NCAA tournament, but fell just short. Those who were on the 2018-2019 team still remember that game slipping from their fingers and will undoubtedly be looking for some payback. Only this time, Arkansas makes their way to historic Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall where the IU currently sits undefeated at home this season.
Sure, not all home tests were against what many would call top tier opponents. Last time I checked; a win is still a win. Whether it was a 100-62 drubbing over the Troy Trojans (one of their most efficient performances this season) or an overtime nail-biting, heart-wrenching 96-90 overtime victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers – which despite giving up leads to a team in rebuild, showed perseverance.
But, enough about all that. Doesn’t it feel like the Crossroad Classic win over Notre Dame was a month ago versus a week?
Sure does to me. Once again, another game that ended up being a battle until the very end. Another example of an IU squad full of veterans and young up-and-comers that didn’t back down from the fight. They hung in there and pulled out that W. A win is what we will look back on come NCAA tournament time.
Why is this game important?
Last non-conference opponent IU faces this season before B1G play starts. Six days separate the game against the Razorbacks and their next contest with Maryland (Saturday - January 4th). Oh, and it is AT MARYLAND. This game might be viewed as THE most important game of their non-con portion of the schedule. IU needs momentum heading into B1G play. Preparing for the Terripans after a win is a hell of a lot more fun than preparing for Maryland on the road after a home loss.
Also, the schedule gets pretty rocky from here on out. How much so?
According to ESPN’s BPI, the Hoosiers are projected to have the toughest strength of schedule in the country for the remainder of the season IU is currently 29th in the NCAA’s NET rankings and 34th according to KenPom. Long story short, winning is kind of important.
Why the Hoosiers Cannot Look Past Arkansas?
After describing why this game is important, it might be possible to assume like I am looking passed Arkansas and ahead at Maryland. That, I am not. And, neither should this team nor the fans.
The Razorbacks are led by first year head coach Eric Musselman who came to Fayetteville from Nevada where won at least 24 games each season (24, 28, 29 and 29) to post a 110-34 record and .764 winning percentage – sixth-best among active Division I coaches. He has more than 30 years of experience, including 14 years as a head coach in the NBA, NCAA and CBA.
In his first season with Arkansas, he has them off to 10-1 start. Not too shabby for a new coach with a large contingent of players he did not recruit himself. Although, their competition hasn’t quite been upper tier to this point, they have proven to be a team not to take lightly.
Most significant win? I would probably go with their 62-61 overtime victory over Georgia Tech.
Their only loss? At the hands of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on December 7th 86-79 in overtime.
They have yet to play a conference opponent, but they will after facing the Hoosiers. The Razorbacks would like nothing more than to go into their showdown with Texas A&M next Saturday with a win over the cream and crimson.
According to their official website statistics, Arkansas enters SSAH with three averaging double digits (Mason Jones 19.6, Isaiah Joe 16.8, and Jimmy Whitt Jr. 14.1). Your Hoosiers counter with four averaging double figures (Trayce Jackson-Davis 15.0, Justin Smith 12.7, Devonte Green 12.3, Al Durham 12.2) along with several others that have proven they can score – Joey Brunk, Rob Phinisee, and Armaan Franklin to name a few.
My biggest focus stat would be taking care of the ball. Arkansas enters averaging 18.7 opponent turnovers forced. As for other stats, they are pretty even. It’s game of runs. The Hoosiers must break this game down in sections and treat each one with the upmost importance.
The Bigger Picture
Personally, I feel if the Hoosiers can win out all of their home games the rest of the way and get at least a few wins on the road, you are looking at a tournament team this year. In my opinion, that is the goal to shoot for this season. Just get back in and go dancing!
I’m not settling for mediocrity; I’m looking at the bigger picture from a realistic standpoint. It is not fair to just assume the Hoosiers should pummel every opponent from here on out. Yes, you want them to win, but defeats will come in a conference that looks to bruise and batter itself as every team will scratch and claw their way towards the same opportunity IU is aiming for – a chance to go after a national championship no matter the seeding. May they prove me wrong and win out though. I would be completely cool with that!! Just don’t lose your mind if the Hoosiers drop some games you feel they should’ve or could’ve won.
First things first, prepare for Arkansas. They will come ready to give the Hoosiers their best. Wouldn’t it be smart to be ready to face that kind of mentality? It’s another chance for the Hoosiers to show their opponent the best version of themselves. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Life itself isn’t. The main goal is what that scoreboard says at the end. Hoosier fans are hoping to witness some sweet, sweet revenge. We will find out soon if that happens.
Where Can I Watch This Game?
Start time: 6:00 pm EST
TV: Big Ten Network (Lisa Byington and Dan Bonner)
Radio: IU Radio Network (Don Fischer, Errek Suhr, Joe Smith)