UNC Wilmington vs Arkansas Odds
| UNC Wilmington Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10.5 -105 | 147.5 -110o / -110u | +400 |
| Arkansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10.5 -115 | 147.5 -110o / -110u | -550 |
The Arkansas Razorbacks hope to finish non-conference play on the winning side with a victory over UNC Wilmington on Saturday.
Arkansas enters the contest at 8-4, so facing the 10-2 UNCW Seahawks should make for an exciting game.
Below, we have a UNC Wilmington vs Arkansas preview, including NCAAB odds and a pick.
UNC Wilmington Seahawks
UNC Wilmington pulled off the stunner of the college hoops season, beating Kentucky in Lexington.
Coach Takayo Siddle is among the most underrated coaches in the sport. Siddle won 20-plus games each of the past two seasons and is on track to securing a third straight 20-win season.
Trazerian White is Siddle's go-to guy, averaging 19 points and six rebounds per contest. White is more of a mid-range and interior scorer, as he's only attempted 12 threes all year. He's still effective at scoring inside and scored 27 points in the win over Kentucky.
Moreover, UNCW boasts the nation's second-lowest turnover rate, giving the ball away on fewer than 13% of possessions. Much of the improvement in turnovers is thanks to reliable play from White and Shykeim Phillips.
Strangely, much of the scoring comes in one-on-one spots, as Wilmington ranks second-to-last nationally in assists per field goals made. Last season, Wilmington struggled with turnovers but has significantly improved. That's a remarkable jump from one season to the next without adding point guard pieces.
How will Arkansas fare against the super steady Seahawks?
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Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas seemingly puts together strange non-conference resumes every season.
This year is no exception.
With conference play looming, Arkansas must get on track quickly, starting with UNCW. We aren't on schedule yet, as Arkansas faces one final roadblock before SEC play.
It's been a wild ride for Arkansas against mid-major foes. The Hogs lost outright to UNC Greenville before sneaking past Abilene Christian and Lipscomb. UNCG's physically imposing defense stifled Arkansas for 40 minutes, and the Hogs played inconsistent in the other close wins.
The Hogs must figure out their point guard situation to bring some normalcy and consistency. El Ellis started at the beginning of the year and technically still is, but Eric Musselman has a short leash on Ellis. In the last few weeks, Keyon Menifield became eligible, giving Arkansas another lead guard option. But there isn't much to lean on if both struggle.
Arkansas is steady on both ends, ranking 65th in offensive and defensive efficiency. But nothing is exciting.
I mean, even last year, the idea of Nick Smith getting healthy and the skilled play of Anthony Black brought excitement. This year's Arkansas team is still trying to find its footing.
But I think I've found a potential solution: get Trevon Brazile more involved!
He's the most talented player on the roster, flashing freakish athleticism and perimeter shooting prowess. Brazile is a legitimate NBA talent who shoots the ball fewer than seven times per contest. Arkansas must find a legitimate first option, and Brazile is the best bet.
Sure, Tramon Mark and Khalif Battle both provide legitimate scoring. The issue is both have struggled to score consistently.
While Mark has some off moments, the highs have been uber-high, averaging over 16 points per game. The smooth lefty excels in the mid-range game and will look to shoot over UNCW's wings from 15 feet all game long. I expect a strong performance from Mark since White will likely defend Brazile.
Who defends Mark? That's a big question mark, so look for the patented strong game from Mark.
UNC Wilmington vs. Arkansas
Betting Pick & Prediction
UNC Wilmington has zero rotation players who stand taller than 6-foot-9. That's a recipe for disaster against the length and athleticism of Arkansas, regardless of the inconsistent play.
Arkansas has a pair of solid players who can fill in, like Mahki Mitchell and Jalen Graham, if the starters get in foul trouble. UNCW doesn't have that luxury. That feels like a major advantage for the home Razorbacks.
Plus, the home-court advantage mentioned above is worth noting. The fans at Bud Walton Arena always give a slight edge to the home team.
Pick: Arkansas -9.5 (Play to -10)
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