Arkansas basketball vs. South Carolina: Scouting report, prediction for SEC matchup

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas basketball returns to Bud Walton Arena this weekend seeking an SEC winning streak that could kickstart a late-season turnaround.

The Razorbacks (10-7, 1-3 SEC) will host South Carolina (14-3, 2-2) Saturday at noon. Arkansas is coming off a dramatic win Tuesday night over Texas A&M, with Tramon Mark’s game-winner giving the Hogs their first league victory of the season.

Before that win over the Aggies, Arkansas had lost its first three SEC games by an average margin of 21.3 points. However, Musselman reverted to an early-season starting lineup and shrunk his rotation to provide a spark and knock off Texas A&M.

South Carolina is coming off a home loss to Georgia in its most recent game. The Gamecocks’ other SEC loss came at the hands of Alabama, but they do have wins over Missouri and Mississippi State. Lamont Paris’ squad went 12-1 in non-conference play.

Here is a look at three things to watch and a score prediction for the Hogs’ fifth game of the SEC season.

Can Arkansas basketball slow down Meechie Johnson?

The primary target for Eric Musselman’s defense will be the opposing team’s point guard for a second straight game.

Texas A&M’s Wade Taylor IV dropped 41 points on the Hogs Tuesday night, but he did so on 13-for-32 shooting. Musselman was overall pleased with his team’s defensive effort.

More: El Ellis’ revival shows high ceiling and frustrations of Arkansas basketball season

More: Tramon Mark saves Arkansas basketball with game-winner against Texas A&M

Saturday’s challenge will be Johnson, who ranks seventh in the SEC averaging 17.3 points per game. He shoots 36.1% from three and has scored at least 20 points in six games this season.

Outside of a loss to Georgia, Arkansas has fared well this season when it has thwarted the opposing team’s best player throughout 40 minutes. Stopping Johnson will be the focal point.

Which Hogs’ offense shows up?

Arkansas shot 53.8% overall and 50% from three in the first half of its win over Texas A&M Tuesday. Those numbers tumbled down to 24% and 22% in the second half, with the Hogs scoring 14 more points across the opening 20 minutes.

The second-half struggles were a combination of simply missing shots and poor offense, especially over the final five minutes of action. The Razorbacks got away from their high pick-and-roll attack and missed plenty of open threes.

The Jekyll and Hyde nature of Arkansas’ offense has been prevalent throughout the season. The offense must be at its best against South Carolina, who ranks 21st in the country allowing just 64.6 points per game.

Watch the turnovers

Neither team forces many turnovers. The Arkansas defense ranks 301st in the country (10.6), while South Carolina is 279th (10.9).

However, the Razorbacks have been prone to sloppy play all season, and the Gamecocks have done a terrific job taking care of the basketball. South Carolina commits nearly two fewer turnovers per game than Arkansas.

The Hogs will need to take care of the basketball and find some way to speed up the Gamecocks when they’re in possession. Extra shots on goal could be a deciding factor for two teams that have gone through offensive lulls at times this season.

Prediction: Arkansas 73, South Carolina 65

The win over Texas A&M was massive for Arkansas. It showed Coach Musselman who he can trust and gave the team some added life with the season hanging in the balance. Tramon Mark has ascended as the unquestionable best player and a pecking order is now set for the Hogs. Nothing will be easy in the SEC this season, but Arkansas will protect Bud Walton Arena and create some momentum heading into a tricky road game at No. 22 Ole Miss.