Arkansas Basketball: 2019-20 keys for success at home against Kentucky

Impactful home crowd

Bud Walton Arena is widely regarded as one of the most intimidating environments in the NCAA.  There are over 19,000 seats jam-packed into the arena, and every single one of them will be accounted for in Saturday’s sold-out contest.  It is a true home-court advantage, and I assure you there are not many traditions better than seeing a sea of Razorback fans calling the Hogs.

There is a palpable buzz surrounding this game.  Let’s face it, when Kentucky comes to town it’s just different and this game, in particular, is critical for the Hogs.  Dickie V will be in the building for the broadcast for the first time since 1996 which brings added hype and excitement to the game.  Arkansas fans are passionate, excited, and starved for something to be proud of.  There is a real opportunity here for the Hogs to turn this energy into a “6th Man” type atmosphere.

The key will be getting out to a quick start to get the crowd rocking.  If Arkansas can get into a flow early, force some turnovers, and knock down a couple of three-pointers there is a chance that the crowd literally blows the roof off the building.

This is an Arkansas team that hits opponents in waves, and they thrive off the energy and atmosphere in the gym.  They play with more confidence.  They play faster.  They play fearless.  When the Bud is rocking, so are the Hogs.