Old Southwest showdown at Walton Arena Saturday

FAYETTEVILLE — The top 25-ranked Arkansas Lady Razorbacks try to close out their first undefeated non-conference slate in school history with one of its most difficult rivals from the old Southwest Conference days on Saturday, Jan. 5, with Texas Tech

Arkansas, 14-0, hosts Tech, 12-1, in a showdown of Southeastern Conference and Big 12 former rivals. The last time the two teams met was at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, for the SWC Classic title. Arkansas won the game with current staff member Amber Nicholas Shirey named the tournament MVP.

This game pits the most recent addition to the Associated Press poll — Arkansas — with the team leading the also receiving votes for both the AP and WBCA coaches’ polls — Texas Tech.

Both teams feature powerful inside games. Arkansas is led by the current SEC player of the week, 6-3 senior Lauren Ervin, and 6-1 junior Whitney Jones. The Lady Raiders counter with 6-3 senior Erin Myrick and 6-2 junior Dominic Seals.

The tipoff at 2 p.m. is a throwback to the old SWC days when Arkansas’ women’s games were always on Saturday afternoons. This is the first game between the two teams at Bud Walton Arena, but back in the day, Arkansas was undefeated at Barnhill Arena (9-0) against TTU.