Tonight, the Alabama Crimson Tide will face the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with tip-off scheduled on ESPN for 7:30 p.m. CST. This Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup features two teams with contrasting seasons thus far.
Alabama enters the game with a 19-3 overall record – including seven wins over AP Top 25 and three wins over AP Top 10 opponents – and an 8-1 mark in SEC play, positioning them as a formidable force in the conference. The Tide’s high-scoring offense leads the nation, averaging 90.2 points per game. Bama’s offensive prowess is complemented by an improving defense, making them a well-rounded team.
In contrast, Arkansas holds a 14-8 overall record and is 3-6 in SEC competition. Despite early struggles, the Razorbacks have shown resilience, securing significant road victories against #12 Kentucky and Texas in recent weeks. These wins have revitalized their season and provided momentum heading into tonight’s contest.
Historically, the series between these two programs has been tightly contested. Arkansas holds a slight edge with a 36-34 all-time record against Alabama. Notably, the Razorbacks have been strong at home, boasting a 20-7 record against the Crimson Tide in Fayetteville.
Alabama’s recent form has been impressive, with a five-game winning streak that includes victories over LSU, Mississippi State, and Georgia. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, and their defense was stout in its last game one week ago versus Georgia. The Tide has taken the week to rest, get healthy, and focus on the back stretch of the season in which it plays nine more games that include matchups against Auburn (twice), Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida.
Arkansas, under the guidance of head coach John Calipari, has turned a corner after a challenging start to SEC play. The Razorbacks have won three of their last four games, highlighted by a 78-70 victory over Texas, where guard Johnell Davis led the team with 24 points.
A key matchup to watch will be Alabama’s potent offense against Arkansas’s defense, which ranks 29th in adjusted defensive efficiency. The Razorbacks will need to find ways to slow down the Crimson Tide’s scoring machine to have a chance at an upset.
On the other side, Alabama will need to be wary of Arkansas’s recent offensive surge. The Razorbacks have averaged over 80 points in their last two games, showcasing a balanced attack that can pose problems for any defense.
For Alabama, today is an opportunity to solidify its SEC standing near the top and bolster its resume for a top seed in the NCAA tournament. The Tide is currently projected to be the #1 seed in the Midwest bracket. For Arkansas, a win would further strengthen the Razorback’s case for an NCAA tournament bid and demonstrate that they can compete with the nation’s best.
Regardless, Alabama’s high-powered offense will be tested by Calipari’s first Arkansas team – one that is eager to defend its home court and continue its recent resurgence.
Game Summary:
- Time: 7:30 p.m. CST
- Date: February 8, 2025
- Location: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Television: ESPN
- Streaming: Available on ESPN’s digital platforms
- Current Rankings: Alabama is ranked #3; Arkansas is unranked
- All-Time Series Record: Arkansas leads 36-34