A pair of longtime Southwest Conference rivals face off for the first time since the 2017-18 season on Saturday when No. 8 Houston and No. 14 Arkansas face off against CBS in a major showdown at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The meeting provides a final showcase opportunity for both as non-conference play wraps up prior to the start of Big 12 and SEC play the first week of January.
It marks Houston’s toughest December test after a challenging November slate that showed the promise of a team led by a mix of grizzled veterans and freshman phenoms. As usual, the Cougars are a gritty defensive club that plays a physical, grinding style designed to wear down the opponent. Arkansas responds with a fast-paced offense led by a pair of freshman guards: Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas. The club of second-year coach John Calipari has already defeated enemies Louisville and Texas Tech this month and is on the hunt for another high-profile victory.
The showdown between Calipari and Houston coach Kelvin Sampson is a meeting of old friends. Calipari revealed that after taking the Arkansas job in 2024 he consulted Sampson about working for Razorbacks athletic director Hunter Yurachek, who was previously Sampson’s boss in Houston. Sampson’s glowing review of Yurachek helped Calipari decide to take the gig.
It is the eighth rendition of the Never Forget Tribute Classic, which supports charities dedicated to commemorating the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of a big showdown between Arkansas and Houston.
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Where to watch Arkansas vs. Watch Houston live
Date: Saturday December 20 | Time: 5:30 PM ET
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App
Stream on Paramount+ Premium
Arkansas vs. Houston: Need to know
Getting Thomas back on track: Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas will look to get back on track after back-to-back poor performances. The highly touted guard reached double figures in his first nine games, averaging 16.9 points early in his college career before hitting a wall this past week. He went just 3 for 19 from the floor in Arkansas’ wins over Texas Tech and Queens. Finding a rhythm will be difficult against Houston, but expect Thomas to make a lot of shots. He’s a flamethrower who isn’t afraid to let it fly.
First year studs: Houston has a pair of freshman stars of its own in point guard Kingston Flemings and center Chris Cenac Jr. Flemings has had his biggest performances in some of Houston’s biggest games, scoring 21-plus points against Auburn, Tennessee and Florida State. But even when he does not score, Vlaming stirs the drink as a passer-by. Cenac is a tall, lean utilitarian who supports the program’s mission: tenacious defense and revenge.
Early Season Bracketology: It’s never too early to start thinking about the NCAA Tournament picture. Arkansas is currently the final No. 5 seed The latest Bracketology from CBS Sportsand the Razorbacks would solidify their position at No. 5 with a win. But according to our model’s projection, a loss would give the Razorbacks one full seed. Houston comes in as a No. 4 seed and will move a half seed either way depending on the outcome. A win could be enough to get the Cougars into the No. 3 seed if projected No. 3 seeds Purdue and/or North Carolina falter in tough games on Saturday.
Arkansas vs. Houston Prediction, Picks
Arkansas is on the rise after downing Louisville and Texas Tech this month. Taking on Houston’s tenacious defense is a challenge on a different level, but the Razorbacks are equipped with a variety of scoring threats and will look to pace the Cougars. If one or more Arkansas defenders are up to the challenge of leaving Houston star Emanuel Sharp on defense, the Razorbacks will cover and possibly even win outright. Pick: Arkansas +4.5
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