The upcoming matchup between the Arkansas men’s basketball team and Baylor on November 9 at American Airlines Center in Dallas is set to be a marquee event in the opening week of the season. Both teams are expected to be ranked in preseason polls, adding to the anticipation surrounding this game.
Arkansas holds the historical advantage in the all-time series with Baylor, leading 58-37 dating back to their days in the Southwest Conference. The last meeting between the two teams saw Baylor come out on top with a 67-64 victory in Waco, Texas during the 2023 SEC-Big 12 Challenge.
The Razorbacks‘ nonconference schedule is packed with home games against Troy, Arkansas-Little Rock, Maryland-Eastern Shore, North Carolina A&T, Oakland, and potentially Pacific. Additionally, they are scheduled to face Illinois in Kansas City, Miami as part of the ACC-SEC Challenge, Michigan at Madison Square Garden in the Jimmy V Classic, and Central Arkansas in North Little Rock.
On the other hand, Baylor, led by coach Scott Drew, is coming off a 24-11 season that ended in the NCAA Tournament second round. Despite losing key players to the NBA Draft and graduation, the Bears have revamped their roster with standout transfers and a talented freshman class, making them a formidable opponent for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas, under first-year coach John Calipari, has also undergone significant roster changes with a mix of returners, transfers, and freshmen. The Razorbacks boast the top-ranked transfer class and third-ranked freshman class according to 247 Sports, showcasing the depth and talent of their new additions.
The matchup between Arkansas and Baylor promises to be an exciting and competitive game between two teams with high expectations for the upcoming season. Fans can look forward to a clash of talent, coaching strategies, and the opportunity to see how these teams stack up against each other early in the season.