The #25 Arkansas Razorbacks are set to face off against the #6 Louisville Cardinals in the third annual ACC/SEC Challenge on Wednesday, December 3, at 6:00 PM (CT) in Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville. This matchup comes on the heels of Arkansas’ recent loss to #4 Duke, marking their second consecutive game against a top-ten opponent.
Louisville boasts an explosive offense, leading the NCAA in scoring with an impressive average of 96.7 points per game. In contrast, Arkansas ranks 48th with 88.1 points per game. The Cardinals are also second nationally in three-pointers made, averaging 13.1 per game, while the Razorbacks excel in fastbreak scoring, placing third with 23.7 points per game.
The spotlight will be on Razorback freshmen Meleek Thomas and Darius Acuff Jr., who form the nation’s top scoring rookie duo, averaging a combined 35.0 points per game. Their contributions are significant, accounting for nearly 40% of the team’s total scoring this season. Arkansas will also face Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., another standout freshman averaging 17 points and 6.6 boards per game.
Historically, the series between Arkansas and Louisville is tied at 4-4, with the Razorbacks having won their last encounter decisively, turning a halftime lead into an 80-54 victory at the Maui Invitational. Arkansas head coach John Calipari has a notable track record against the Cardinals, holding a 19-8 lifetime record against them.
The Razorbacks have enjoyed success in the ACC/SEC Challenge, having won their first two matchups. Arkansas previously defeated #7 Duke and Miami in the last two years of the Challenge, showcasing their competitiveness against elite teams.
In terms of statistics, Arkansas is excelling with an 80% free throw percentage, which ranks eighth in the NCAA and first in the SEC. The team’s ability to maintain a strong assist-to-turnover ratio, averaging 17.6 assists while keeping turnovers to a mere 9.6 per game, reflects their disciplined playstyle.
With this highly anticipated contest approaching, Arkansas fans can look forward to an exciting clash as the Razorbacks aim to capitalize on their home court advantage and make a statement against another top-tier program. The matchup promises a thrilling evening of college basketball as two powerhouse teams go head-to-head in the ACC/SEC Challenge.