Arkansas Basketball: 2021 keys for Razorbacks to beat Alabama Crimson Tide
3. Someone outside of Moses Moody and JD Notae needs to step up
Despite coming off the bench, the most impressive player for Arkansas since entering SEC play has been JD Notae. The Jacksonville transfer guard leads the team with 18.8 ppg in the five games play and has been the most consistent performer. Freshman star Moses Moody (16.6 ppg), outside of the Missouri defeat, has also been very impressive.
The problem for Arkansas has been the production from the rest of the rotation. Senior grad transfers Jalen Tate and Justin Smith has struggled mightily, along with the previously mentioned freshmen. Freshman Jaylin Williams will be needed for rebounding and to have size down low but his offense has ways to go at this stage.
Backup guard Desi Sills is another double-digit scorer on the roster but has gone to the bench in the past couple of games. But I doubt that the Razorbacks can afford to have both Sills and Notae come off the bench if the starting lineup continues to struggle. With a smaller Alabama team up next, Arkansas can afford to go small without paying a price.
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The biggest x-factor in this game will be the point guard Tate, as this game is likely to be in the 80s and beyond. Even without Quinerly, Alabama has proven that their offense can be just as potent. Against better competition, Arkansas Basketball hasn’t shown that as of late. Tate will need to have a big game as a distributor and scorer to keep up.