For the first time in 17 years the Arkansas Razorbacks are trying to start their SEC schedule 3-0 against a tough Tennessee Volunteers team who will look to bounce back after being routed by Alabama. The 19th ranked Hogs are feeling confident as they try to extend their win streak to eight games.
"It's a basketball game so you gotta go out there and play anyways," sophomore center Bobby Portis said. "I feel as though if everyone comes out and just plays hard, everything will take care of itself. Hang our hats on defense."
"Next game on the roster, of course we want to come out victorious," junior Michael Qualls said. "Game plan just play Arkansas basketball. Everybody bring their hard hats, we're going to run it up."
Arkansas may pride themselves in their defense and press but so do the Vols.
"They're going to press. Get up tempo, they want to get up and down the floor," head coach Mike Anderson said. "They're scoring in the 60's. Their press is a little different than ours, they want to cause chaos but they want to slow you down as well. Their match up zone has been pretty good as well."
If the Hogs can win, they will continue to silence critics of their road play, something coach believes they are learning how to do.
"You've got to create your own energy when you go on the road and you do that through the way you play," Anderson said. "I think the tempo of the game is going to be critical to what takes place with our basketball team. When you're in that setting, you're all you got, and our guys are starting to understand that."
Tip off is set for 6pm.