Ole Miss-Arkansas matchups

Tipoff Matchups — By JOE WEST

Arkansas Razorbacks
(16-5, 5-2)
Coach John Pelphrey

Point guards 2.5
Starter
14 - Stefan Welsh
6-2, So.
4.9 ppg, 2.6 apg
Bench
0 - Gary Ervin
6-0, Sr.
After some off games, the UA point guards came to play in last Saturday’s rout of Florida. Gary Ervin did a good job getting to the line, hitting 5 of 6 free throws on his way to 15 points. He also dished out a team-high 6 assists.

Shooting guards 4.0
Starter
21 - Patrick Beverley
6-1, So.
12.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg
Bench
12 - Marcus Britt
6-2, Fr.
Even when he struggles from the field, Patrick Beverley seems to always hustle to lead UA in rebounding. It’s amazing that on a team of giants, a mortal-sized man can average almost two more boards a game than his closest teammate.

Small forwards 4.5
Starter
13 - Sonny Weems
6-6, Sr.
14.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Bench
33 - Vincent Hunter
6-10, Sr.
Senior swingman Sonny Weems was named the SEC’s player of the week for his explosive performance against Florida. He can turn the team’s fortunes in a heartbeat, and is quickly becoming Arkansas’ go-to player.

Power forwards 3.5
Starter
3 - Charles Thomas
6-8, Sr.
10.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg
Bench
15 - Michael Washington
6-10, Sr.
Charles Thomas and Michael Washington made the most of their limited court time against Florida, going a combined 7 of 9 from the field. The duo’s physicality will be needed today against the rough-and-tumble Mississippi frontcourt.

Centers 3.5
Starter
51 - Steven Hill
7-0, Sr.
5.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg
Bench
5 - Darian Townes
6-10, Sr.
The Arkansas post players will have to man up today against Ole Miss’ Curtis, the second-leading rebounder in the SEC. Senior 7-footer Steven Hill, with a team-high .683 shooting percentage, should take more shots.

Arkansas overall: 4.0

Ole Miss Rebels
(16-4, 3-4)
Coach Andy Kennedy

Point guards 3.5
Starter
12 - Chris Warren
5-11, Fr.
16.0 ppg, 5.2 apg
Bench
3- Brian Smith
5-11, Sr.
Freshman Chris Warren is an extremely talented scorer, but has caught some flak for taking too many shots. He jacked up a team-high 16 shots in last Saturday’s loss to South Carolina, and a team-high 271 on the season.

Shooting guards 3.0
Starter
14 - Eniel Polynice
6-5, So.
12.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg
Bench
23 - Trevor Gaskins
6-2, 205
The Hogs must be wary of two-guard Eniel Polynice, whose quick hands have netted him a team-high 1.8 steals per game. He did struggle in the team’s inexplicable home loss to the Gamecocks, going 2-of-10 from the field.

Small forwards 2.5
Starter
32 - Zach Graham
6-5, Fr.
6.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg
Bench
33 - David Huertas
6-5, So.
Freshman Zach Graham and sophomore David Huertas are like co-starters at the three-spot, but Graham’s time has increased lately. Whichever man is in the game will have to keep his head on a swivel against Arkansas’ Weems.

Power forwards 3.0
Starter
50 - Kenny Williams
6-8, Sr.
7.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg
Bench
10 - Terrence Watson
6-5, Jr.
Tough senior Kenny Williams has had to carry more of the load with Gosnell’s Jermey Parnell sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Parnell could possibly return to the lineup today. Williams isn’t afraid to block a shot (0.9 bpg).

Centers 4.5
Starter
44 - Dwayne Curtis
6-8, Sr.
15.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg
Bench
21 - Malcolm White
6-9, Fr.
Senior Dwayne Curtis is 280 pounds of angry man in the middle of the Rebels’ frontcourt. He may not be the tallest center in the SEC, but Curtis knows how to use stout physique on the offensive and defensive glass.

Ole Miss overall: 3.5

Prediction: Arkansas 80, Ole Miss 76

Filed under: Arkansas Basketball by Terry Wood. Posted on: February 9, 2008 at 9:22 am