Hogs get another mid-major test

Daryl Macon (4) of Arkansas drives past Erick Neal of UT Arlington on Friday Nov. 18, 2016 during the game in Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
Daryl Macon (4) of Arkansas drives past Erick Neal of UT Arlington on Friday Nov. 18, 2016 during the game in Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas' victories over Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and Texas-Arlington are looking more impressive.

After the Razorbacks beat IPFW 92-83 to open the season, the Mastodons beat Indiana -- ranked No. 3 at the time -- 71-68 in overtime in Fort Wayne before a crowd of predominantly Hoosiers fans.

Texas-Arlington won 72-61 at Texas on Tuesday after the Razorbacks beat the Mavericks 71-67.

IPFW returned three starters from a 24-10 team that was the preseason pick to win the Summit League. Texas-Arlington returned five starters from a 24-11 team picked to win the Sun Belt.

"It doesn't shock me," Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson of the upset victories. "Those guys are experienced. I mean, they've been together.

"They've been through the wars. They've played these teams. They're not fazed by that.

"Who is the pressure on? It's on the team that's supposed to win."

The Razorbacks (4-1) will play another mid-major team used to winning when they take on Stephen F. Austin (2-2) at 8 tonight in Walton Arena. The late tipoff is to accommodate the SEC Network telecast.

Stephen F. Austin has just one healthy returning starter -- 6-8 sophomore forward TJ Holyfield -- from last season's 28-6 team that went 1-1 in the NCAA Tournament beating West Virginia 70-56 before losing to Notre Dame 76-75.

Junior guard Ty Charles, a returning starter, broke a finger in the Lumberbacks' season-opening 87-64 loss at No. 1 Kentucky and is expected to be out until late December.

Brad Underwood, Stephen F. Austin's coach the previous three seasons, is now at Oklahoma State and was replaced by Kyle Keller.

Keller is familiar with the Razorbacks and playing in Walton Arena after being a Texas A&M assistant coach the previous five seasons.

The Lumberjacks, who have won four consecutive Southland Conference championships, are picked to finish second behind Sam Houston State -- which plays Arkansas on Dec. 22 -- despite having four new starters.

"This team has got history," Arkansas senior guard Manny Watkins said. "They're a really good program. They're going to come for our throats and we're going to come for theirs."

Watkins said the Razorbacks respect every opponent.

"We don't take anybody lightly," he said. "Nowadays, when you see [upsets], it's not really as surprising because those teams are capable of that.

"We know we have to play our best game every time we come out on the court."

Stephen F. Austin has played in three consecutive NCAA Tournaments and was in the NIT four years ago.

"They lost quite a few of those guys, but still, yet, the DNA in that program is about being in tournaments and playing against quality teams," Anderson said. "Coming in here, they won't be afraid.

"They'll come in with the understanding that they're trying to steal one. We've got to do a good job of defending the home court.

"That's why it's important for our fans to really come out. It's a very good basketball team. It should be a great game."

Anderson said he knew Texas-Arlington was a dangerous team after playing the Mavericks. The Razorbacks had to rally from a 16-point deficit in the first half.

"I even mentioned about Texas-Arlington being a team that people are going to remember before the season's over with," Anderson said. "Lo and behold, they end up beating Texas.

"All you need is that number that night. So every game, you better show up to play."

Sports on 12/01/2016

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