The Arkansas Razorbacks are looking to field a complete team on Saturday evening as they prepare to host the Auburn Tigers for a highly anticipated SEC matchup. The game, set for 7:30 p.m. CT, will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
In recent games, both DJ Wagner and Karter Knox have been sidelined, missing two consecutive games following Arkansas” 88-68 victory over Mississippi State last Saturday. The Razorbacks then secured a commanding 91-62 win against LSU, despite a reduced rotation and impressive performances from freshmen Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas.
Wagner, who is dealing with an ankle injury, and Knox, suffering from a knee issue, were both deemed doubtful before their absences last week. Additionally, veteran player Malique Ewin sustained an injury after taking an elbow to the forehead during the LSU game, which required stitches, leaving him unavailable for the remainder of that contest. The foul was initially ruled as a common play but was later deemed a flagrant foul, resulting in Thomas taking the ensuing free throws while Ewin was treated.
Coach John Calipari acknowledged that Ewin is listed as probable for the game against Auburn, stating in a press conference, “He has till Saturday. At least he”s got time. Hopefully, he”ll be alright.” Ewin averages ten points and five rebounds per game in his inaugural season with the Razorbacks, although his contributions have dipped slightly with the smaller rotation.
Knox, who has been averaging eight points and five rebounds this season, emerged as a key player following a strong freshman year. Wagner”s production has notably declined this season, as he is only averaging just over seven points and two assists. Wagner had been coming off the bench in the two games prior to his injury and is expected to continue in a secondary ball-handler role.
“Hopefully, we”re going to be healthy and have a full team, but the reality is, probably got three guys on this team that need to play 37 minutes,” Calipari remarked. “Which means some other guys will play less minutes.”
Meanwhile, Auburn will be without its top scorer, Keyshawn Hall, who is listed as out after an injury sustained during a recent loss to Vanderbilt. Hall missed a significant portion of the second half in that game and his absence will be felt. The 6-foot-7 guard is having a breakout season, averaging 20.7 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game while shooting 45% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 85% from the free-throw line.
Hall previously scored 32 points in a 95-73 victory over Arkansas last month and expressed his personal connection to the matchup, stating, “I took this game kind of personal. Obviously, I came , but Arkansas was one of my top four schools. They didn”t recruit me as hard as some of the other guys they wanted.”
As the Razorbacks gear up for this critical SEC clash, they will be eager to capitalize on their home court advantage and potentially regain full strength with key players returning.
