Official: Arkansas to play Michigan at Madison Square Garden
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The Arkansas basketball team is set to play a marquee matchup at Madison Square Garden in New York City against the Michigan Wolverines as part of the Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 10, the team officially announced Wednesday.
ESPN will broadcast the game, which is set for an 8 p.m. CT tipoff. Tennessee and Miami will be the first game of the doubleheader at 5:30 p.m. CT, also on ESPN.
“The Jimmy V Classic is a great event that is played in perhaps the most iconic venue in the world – Madison Square Garden," Arkansas head coach John Calipari said in a statement. "More importantly, ESPN and the Jimmy V Foundation use this showcase in their unbelievable job in the fight against cancer, and we are excited to do our part in raising awareness.
"Michigan will challenge our team and help prepare us as we build toward SEC play and into the postseason. I know our fans are looking forward to making the trip and contributing to what is always a great atmosphere. Personally, this will be my first time coaching in the Classic since 2007, so we are honored to once again be a part of such a premier event.”
Editor's Note: This article from May 30 was updated Aug. 21 to represent the matchup becoming official.
Arkansas is 3-4 against Michigan all-time, with the last matchup between the two programs played in the 2012-13 season. That game was played in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Arkansas lost 80-67. The Razorbacks' most recent victory over the Wolverines came the season prior at Bud Walton Arena, when the Hogs won 66-64.
Razorback guard Johnell Davis, a transfer from FAU, will be taking on his former head coach and current Michigan coach, Dusty May. The duo led FAU to the 2023 Final Four and participated in last year’s Jimmy V Classic with the Owls, falling to Illinois, 98-89, on Dec. 5, 2023.
Arkansas has never appeared in the Jimmy V Classic, but Calipari has coached in it three times. He was part of the first Classic – then called The Men’s Classic and played at the Meadowlands – as head coach of UMass. The Minutemen defeated Georgia Tech, 75-67, on Dec. 22, 1995.
At Memphis, Calipari made two appearances in the Classic – both played at Madison Square Garden. The Tigers lost to Pitt, 70-51, on Dec. 7, 2004, and beat Southern Cal, 62-58, on Dec. 4, 2007.
Arkansas last played at Madison Square Garden against UConn in the NIT Final Four on March 27, 1997. The Huskies defeated the Razorbacks, 74-64.
The Razorbacks are close to knowing their full 2024-25 schedule, as all but a few non-conference games are official. Click here to view dates for the Hogs' conference schedule this season.