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

Avoid foul trouble

At this point in the season, most teams have shortened their rotation down to their top 7 or 8 guys.  This typically works out just fine, unless there is foul trouble.  Arkansas struggles when they have to go deeper into their bench, and Kentucky is a team that poses problems in that regard.

The Wildcats get to the charity-stripe at a high rate.  In a game that is expected to be close down the stretch, Arkansas can ill-afford to give away too many freebies.  The Hogs also need to ensure that they can keep their best players on the floor.

Kentucky has a talented back-court, but they are much better at attacking off the dribble as opposed to lighting it up from three.  Defensively, Arkansas strategically looks to eliminate the three-point shot with aggressive pressure and hard close-outs which makes them vulnerable to dribble penetration and picking up tick-tack fouls.  Mason Jones, in particular, has been susceptible in that regard and he absolutely must stay in the game for Arkansas to pull off the win.

The Razorbacks have given up size in the frontcourt all season.  They are prepared for that and have found ways to overcome it.  Their front-line of Adrio Bailey and Reggie Chaney have struggled lately with foul trouble to the point that Arkansas has had to go with five-guard lineups down the stretch in a number of games.

Discipline will be the key for the frontcourt.  Bailey, who uses his quickness and agility to frustrate bigger opponents, will be tasked with containing a big, strong, and impressively mobile Nick Richards.  He may need to make some adjustments and gamble a bit less. Chaney, on the other hand, has struggled at times with using his hands on the perimeter.  If he finds himself matched up with Nate Sestina, who is a pick and pop threat, he will need to remain solid and contest without picking up a foul.