Conference play continues at Bud Walton

The University of Arkansas basketball team returns to the friendly confines of Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday night, Jan. 23, when it takes on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in another big Southeastern Conference game beginning at 8 p.m.

The first 5,000 fans to enter Bud Walton Arena will receive a Razorback basketball key chain.

Arkansas (11-6, 2-2 SEC) played well against SEC leader Ole Miss on Saturday despite losing, but the experience should help the Razorbacks as they go forward.  Junior Marshawn Powell continues to play inspired basketball this season and averaged 22.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last week.  He was aided on the inside by junior Coty Clarke (5.0 pts-6.5 reb) and sophomore Hunter Mickelson (6.0 pts-5.0 reb).  Junior Kikko Haydar continues to shoot the ball well for the Razorbacks as he drained four three-point baskets and even grabbed a career high five rebounds and dished five assists against Ole Miss.

The Razorbacks are even in league play through four games for the third straight season and hope to get back on the winning side of the ledger against the Bulldogs.  The Razorback defense will again need to be the catalyst to Arkansas’ efforts and could make a huge difference as Mississippi State has a tendency to turn the ball over.  Arkansas has won seven straight games at Bud Walton Arena and is 10-1 at home this year, a record that it hopes to improve on against the Bulldogs

Mississippi State (7-9, 2-2 SEC) is having a tough year with limited numbers, but do have a pair of victories in SEC play including a road win at Georgia.  The Bulldogs are led by Jalen Steele at 11.1 points per game and the elder statesman of the Mississippi State roster is also hitting his three-point shots at 38.9 percent from the field.  Three Bulldogs are scoring in double figures and Gavin Ware leads the team on the boards at 7.1 rebounds per contest.

The Razorback game against Mississippi 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 Comcast Sports with Matt Stewart and Kyle Macy on air.