Arkansas has arrived at Missouri State’s brand new $67 million palace here in Springfield, but can the Razorbacks leave with a victory? The Bears have almost as much inexperience as the Hogs, but they will also have a sellout crowd behind them, potentially freaking out Arkansas’ Baby ’Backs.

Arkansas (2-0) at Missouri State (1-1)
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: Bud Walton Arena
TV: nope
Radio: for those inside our readership area, check out 107.9-FM, 92.1-FM, 105.3-FM or 1290-AM

About Missouri State

The Bears, much like Arkansas, are in a rebuilding stage right now. First-year coach Cuonzo Martin, previously an assistant at Purdue, saw his team get picked last in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll. Early results have been mixed for Missouri State, with a 15-point loss in its opener at Auburn and a 3-point win earlier this this week at Central Michigan. Just like the Razorbacks, the Bears are relying on a handful of freshmen this season. But also like Arkansas, Missouri State relies on a couple of veterans. Senior point guard Spencer Laurie has scored 29 points in Missouri State’s first two games and senior forward Chris Cooks has 32.

Players To Watch

Arkansas
Michael Sanchez, 6-foot-8, 236-pound freshman forward
Through two games, the Springdale Har-Ber graduate has performed to expectations, possibly even exceeding them. Arkansas coach John Pelphrey wants Sanchez to do the dirty work for this team. You know, crash the boards, hit the floor, set picks — the stuff nobody really loves doing. But Sanchez has taken to the role well and has grabbed 12 rebounds in each of his first two games as a Razorback.
Missouri State
Chris Cooks, 6-4, 220-pound senior forward
The Bears’ chances start and end with the athletic swingman. Cooks transferred to Missouri State last season and had an immediate impact, averaging 8.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. But this season, Missouri State is counting on Cooks for much more. Martin would like to see Cooks lead the team in scoring, and he has shown a scorer’s mentality in Arkansas’ first two games.