Arkansas (11-11, 2-7 SEC) is coming off a week-long break and has a chance to avenge itself with its second matchup of the season against the Georgia Bulldogs (14-9, 4-6 SEC) on Saturday inside Bud Walton Arena.
The Razorbacks currently own a 26-17 all-time record advantage against the Bulldogs, which also includes a 7-3 mark in the two programs' last 10 matchups. Arkansas lost to Georgia earlier this season on Jan. 10 by a final score of 76-66.
"It’s the same personnel," head coach Eric Musselman said on Friday. "There’s no injuries obviously. From our end, (Trevon) Brazile’s not playing. So that makes it different in its own plan, not having a 6-11 player. And last game, they had two of their better players come off the bench. So I can’t guess if those guys are going to start or not start.
"Same themes. Don’t give up threes. Get back in transition. Build a wall against their two point guards, No. 4 and No. 11, (Justin) Hill. And Melendez is playing much better. I guess, if there’s one thing from the Georgia perspective that’s a little bit different from the last time we played them is Melendez has been one of the most improved players in the SEC once conference play started."
Led by second-year head coach Mike White, the Bulldogs have lost four straight conference games. Their last victory was on Jan. 24, when Georgia defeated LSU 68-66 at home.
"I think Mike White is one of the best coaches in our league," Musselman said. "I thought he did a great job at Florida. He’s doing a great job here with Georgia. He’s had good player development. I think this team is really, really well-coached on both sides of the ball."
Following an announcement that senior guard Davonte Davis had returned to the team after a three-game hiatus, it'll be interesting to monitor how he fits within an Arkansas rotation that changes on a daily basis.
"We’re excited to have Devo back," Musselman said. "I think he’s excited. He’s been working hard. He’s had a great week of practice. I think from a conditioning standpoint, we talked yesterday about his conditioning and he feels like he’s back to where he was from a conditioning standpoint. So, he’s been a part of four really good years and certainly looking forward to having him back."
Leading the Bulldogs is senior guard Jabri Abdur-Rahim. The 6-foot-8, 215-pound New Jersey native is averaging 13.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game while shooting 37.6% from the field and 38.7% from three.
KenPom ranks Georgia 82nd overall nationally and the Bulldogs are also 66th in defensive efficiency (100.2).
Here's a closer comparison of Arkansas' and Georgia's stats, efficiency ratings, projected lineup for the Bulldogs and more ahead of Saturday's game, which is set to tipoff at 5 p.m. CT on the SEC Network:
