First game of the New Year

The University of Arkansas basketball team returns to the court to play its first game of 2013 on Saturday evening, Jan. 5, when it takes on Delaware State at Bud Walton Arena beginning at 7 p.m.

University of Arkansas students who do not have a student-access pass and wish to attend the game may purchase a ticket for $1, with a valid student ID, and get up to two guest tickets for $5 each at the East entrance to the arena with cash or check only.  The Razorback Gymnastics team will be on the concourse in the southwest corner of the arena from 6-7 p.m. to sign autographs.

The Razorbacks (8-4) have won four straight games including an impressive defensive performance in its 79-61 win over Northwestern State last week.  The Razorbacks held what was the No. 2 scoring offense in the country 25 points under their average, while allowing the Demons to hit just 27 percent from the floor and seven percent from three.  Sophomore BJ Young posted the second double-double of his career in the win with 26 points and 13 rebounds and added seven assists while fellow second-year player Hunter Mickelson grabbed a career high 13 boards.

Delaware State (6-8) is coming off an impressive road win at Marshall, 53-51, despite three starters sitting on the sidelines.  The Hornets were able to outshoot the Thundering Herd in all facets and make 10 steals.  The Delaware State bench was also able to outscore Marshall’s bench 22-12.  The Hornets are now 2-6 on the year in road games and have won two of their last five.

Arkansas and Delaware State are playing for the fifth time in their respective histories on Saturday.  The Razorbacks are 4-0 against the Hornets with the last meeting between the two schools coming during the 2009-10 season.  Many Razorback fans might recall the standout performance of Al Dillard in 1993 when he hit 12 three-point baskets in a game against Delaware State.

The Razorback game against Delaware State will be broadcast on the radio across the Razorback Sports Network from IMG College with Chuck Barrett and Rick Schaeffer giving the call.  The game will also be carried live on the Razorback Sports Network with Scott Inman and former Razorback Blake Eddins on air.

Season tickets for all Arkansas games are currently on sale at the Razorback Ticket Office by calling 1-800-982-HOGS, or online at ArkansasRazorbacks.com.