Razorbacks take on Alabama State

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas is coming off an eight day break from competition as it finished up the semester with finals as it prepares to host Alabama State at Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday night beginning at 7 p.m.

The Razorbacks (4-5) own a two-game winning streak heading into this important game that could bring the Hogs back to .500. Arkansas’ time away from competition could have been a tremendous boon to its health, but at the same time may have hurt court chemistry. Mike Washington, Michael Sanchez and Rotnei Clarke should benefit from the lack of pounding on their bodies, while newcomers like Julysses Nobles, Marshawn Powell and Delvon Johnson may be wishing that the Razorbacks played through finals as they continue to find their games at this level.

Alabama State (1-6) has also had a bit of a break with just one game over its last 12 days. The Hornets played Southern Illinois on Saturday afternoon and came away with a 63-82 loss to the Salukis on the road. Menji Mundadi was a force on the floor for the Hornets, scoring 29 points including six three-point baskets while also grabbing five rebounds. Struggling out of the blocks, Alabama State picked up a solid win against Columbus State, 64-58, but otherwise have failed to score more than 57 points in a game. The Hornets are shooting 32 percent from the floor and 29 percent from three.

The Arkansas-Alabama State game will be broadcast courtesy of the Razorback Sports Network from ISP across the state with Scott Inman providing the on-air talent. The contest can also be heard on radio across the state of Arkansas on the Razorback Sports Network with Mike Nail and Rick Schaeffer giving the calls. Nail is in his 29th and final season as the play-by-play voice of the Razorbacks.

Looking past the Alabama State contest, Arkansas hosts Stephen F. Austin on Saturday, Dec. 19, before hosting Missouri State at Bud Walton Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 22.