LSU Tigers vs Arkansas Razorbacks odds & best bet

LSU took an emotional hit recently with a Notice of Allegations for the hoops program. It is not that much of a shock, but you do have to wonder if that puts some extra urgency to this season (as they might be ineligible for a little while). The question is how do the players respond to it.

LSU has great computer numbers but has struggled down the stretch. They are probably into the NCAA Tournament field with ease but beating Arkansas would definitely make them a lock.  Arkansas can much more leeway. The Razorbacks look like a lock to me.  

Arkansas lost its season finale at Tennessee. There is no shame in losing to the Vols on the road and they remain one of the hottest teams in the country. Since Feb 8 they have lost just twice by a combined 5 points (both on the road).  This team has truly gotten better as the season has progressed.

I am not sure that JD Notae is the best guard and Jaylin Williams is not the best big man, but that combination might be the best in the SEC. Both struggled against Tennessee in the first half and that is what sunk them but everyone has a bad game now and again. 

Arkansas won both games against LSU during the regular season. They played a nail-biter, winning by just a point on March 2. 

Game Info

LSU Tigers (22-10) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (24-7)
Friday, March 11, 2022
2:30 PM ET
Amelie Arena, Tampa, Florida
ESPN

Betting Odds

Spread: Tigers +2 (-105) Razorbacks -2 (-115)
Total: 139
Moneyline: Tigers +115, Razorbacks -135

Best Bet

Arkansas -2

About the only advantage I see for LSU is that they played last night, beating Mizzou, getting back into a playing rhythm. Beyond that, it is hard to see where on the floor the Tigers can have a sustained advantage against the Razorbacks.

Arkansas is one of the most versatile teams in the country right now. With Williams emerging they can score inside and out and the only thing that really holds them back is their outside shooting. They are one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the country and the Tigers are very good at guarding the arc. 

That kind of cancels each other out though so the lean is still towards the Razorbacks. LSU can be a strong defensive team overall but Arkansas has a number of trusted ballhandlers and a nice balance beyond Notae's 19ppg. (4 others average between 8ppg and 12ppg).

The Tigers are not quite as strong as Arkansas in the backcourt and that matters even more as fatigue starts to set in with back-to-back games for LSU. Tigers' forwards Tari Eason and Darius Days are two very productive frontcourt players but they need help in creating their offense. If those guys can't get the shots they are used to LSU is really going to struggle to score.  

Arkansas should dominate on the perimeter and that will lead to a comfortable win.