By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach John Pelphrey’s recollection of Appalachian State is simple: Two years ago, the Mountaineers came to North Little Rock and ruined his Christmas.
Pelphrey was in his first season as Arkansas’ coach and the outmanned Mountaineers stunned his veteran club with a 74-67 win in Alltel Arena on Dec. 22. It left a sour taste in Arkansas’ mouth in its last game before the holiday break.
“It was tough,” Pelphrey said. “It was right before Christmas and probably the first time I’d been home for Christmas in a long time. It’s not fun to go home (after a loss).
“Basketball is bad for the holidays unless you win.”
Arkansas won’t have to worry about Appalachian State spoiling Christmas this season. Thanksgiving could be in danger, though.
The Razorbacks (1-1) will face the upset-minded Mountaineers (2-1) in Bud Walton Arena tonight at 7. Arkansas is trying to bounce back from Tuesday’s 30-point loss to No. 20 Louisville, but understands it may not be an easy task against a team that knows it can beat the Razorbacks after doing so two years ago.
Four members of Appalachian State’s roster played in the 2007 game. The four — Isaac Butts (13.3 points a game), Donald Sims (13 points), Kellen Brand (12.7), and Ryann Abraham (6.7) — are leading the Mountaineers in scoring this season.
Center Michael Washington is Arkansas’ only available player that was on the floor during that game. But Pelphrey has stressed to everyone the upset potential the Hogs are facing.
“I’m sure they’ll be a very confident team,” Pelphrey said. “I’m sure they feel like a different team, different program than they were then. These guys are older and have been through the wars, so they’re going to come in here ready to play.”
The good news for Arkansas is that it will have a little more help after leaning on eight players the first two games.
Freshman Glenn Bryant returns from his two-game suspension to help Arkansas’ depth in the frontcourt. Bryan, who played in both exhibition games, will be plugged back into the rotation and should help Arkansas at the power forward spot.
“I’m glad to have Glenn back because he brings a lot of energy,” small forward Jemal Farmer said. “Plus, he’s another body, and we definitely need that.”
Bryant is expected to provide a boost to Arkansas’ defense, which struggled to hold down the Cardinals on Tuesday. The Razorbacks surrendered 96 points in the loss, gave up handfuls of easy baskets and allowed 15 3-point field goals.
Defense will be a point of emphasis tonight, especially after Appalachian State’s upset two years ago. The Mountaineers shot 66.7 percent in the win, including 78.6 in the second half.
But Arkansas isn’t planning on letting Appalachian State pull off another upset. Ruining Christmas two years ago was enough.
“We’re a whole different team this year,” center Delvon Johnson said. “So it’s probably going to be a different story.”
Tonight’s Ticket
Appalachian State (2-1) vs. Arkansas (1-1)
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Bud Walton Arena
TV: None
Radio: Razorback Sports Network
Coaches: Appalachian State — Buzz Peterson; Arkansas — John Pelphrey
Projected Lineups:
Arkansas — C Michael Washington (6-9, Sr., 11.5 ppg), PF Marshawn Powell (6-7, Fr., 16.0), SF Jemal Farmer (6-5, Jr., 18.5), SG Rotnei Clarke (6-0, So., 33.5), PG Julysses Nobles (6-1, Fr., 8.5)
Appalachian State — F Isaac Butts (6-10, Jr., 13.3), F Josh Hunter (6-6, Sr., 4.3), G Donald Sims (6-1, Jr., 13.0), G Ryann Abraham (5-10, Sr., 6.7), G Kellen Brand (6-1, Sr., 12.7).
