The Arkansas Razorbacks are set to confront the Fresno State Bulldogs in an exciting college basketball showdown. This match will take place on December 6 at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Arkansas vs. Fresno State: Game Details
- Teams: #25/23 Arkansas Razorbacks (6-2, 0-0 SEC) vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (6-3, 0-0 MW)
- Date: Saturday, December 6
- Time: 3:00 PM (CT)
- Location: Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Arena Capacity: 18,000
- Broadcast: SEC Network Plus and Watch ESPN
- Radio: Learfield Razorback Sports Network
Historical Context and Previous Encounters
This game marks Arkansas’s 26th visit to Simmons Bank Arena since its opening in the 1999-2000 season. Historically, the Razorbacks have performed well in North Little Rock, holding a record of 15 wins and 10 losses at this arena. Overall, they are 19-10 in North Little Rock.
In their last encounter at Simmons Bank Arena, Arkansas breezed past Central Arkansas, winning 82-57. The Razorbacks have had an impressive streak by playing in North Little Rock for 21 of the last 23 years. Their absence in 2020-2021 was a result of the COVID pandemic. Interestingly, the only other season they did not play in North Little Rock was during the 2000-2001 season.
In past showdowns, Arkansas holds a 2-0 record against Fresno State. Their first meeting took place on November 29, 1997, where Arkansas narrowly secured a 70-69 victory. During that game, Nick Davis starred for the Razorbacks with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Avondre Jones led the Bulldogs with 23 points and 14 rebounds.
The second encounter was on November 17, 2017, resulting in an 83-75 win for Arkansas. Daniel Gafford was the standout player, scoring 25 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Fresno State’s Bryson Williams led his team with 22 points in that game.
Recent Performance and Rankings
Most recently, the Razorbacks achieved a commendable 89-80 victory over #6 Louisville, marking their third win in the three-year ACC/SEC Challenge. This performance has elevated Arkansas from #45 to #33 in the NCAA NET rankings.
Both teams have demonstrated proficiency in three-point shooting, with Arkansas and its opponents making 67 three-pointers this season. However, Arkansas has attempted fewer shots compared to its opponents, achieving a shooting percentage of 35.3% from beyond the arc.
As anticipation builds for this matchup, fans can follow Arkansas Men’s Basketball on social media platforms for updates and highlights. The upcoming battle against Fresno State is expected to be thrilling and could shape the momentum for the Razorbacks’ journey in the season.
