In this article we will formulate an Arkansas vs Hawaii prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 19th at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NCAA Tournament matchup.
Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Preview
The Arkansas Razorbacks are 26-8 (13-5) this season after they defeated Vanderbilt by a score of 86-75 in their last game. Arkansas led 41-39 at halftime and they added 45 points in the second half to secure the win. The Razorbacks shot 52% from the field, 63% on three pointers, and 73% on free throws in the game. Darius Acuff Jr led Arkansas with 30 points and 11 assists, while Billy Richmond III added 18 points and five rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, Arkansas defeated Ole Miss by a score of 93-90 and Oklahoma by a score of 82-79. The Razorbacks have scored 89.9 points per game with 36.1 rebounds and 17.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 80.1 points against per game this season. Darius Acuff Jr is averaging 22.9 points and 6.5 assists per game, while Meleek Thomas is averaging 15.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Razorbacks. Arkansas is shooting 50.0% from the field, 74.7% on free throws, and 38.9% on three pointers this season.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Betting Preview
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are 24-8 (14-6) this year after they defeated UC Irvine by a score of 71-64 in their last game. Hawaii led 31-30 at halftime and they scored 40 points in the second half to pull away with the win. The Rainbow Warriors shot 41% from the field, 31% on three pointers, and 60% on free throws in the game. Isaac Johnson led Hawaii with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Dre Bullock added 15 points and seven rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, Hawaii defeated Cal State Fullerton by a score of 78-63, but lost to Long Beach State by a score of 84-75 before that. The Rainbow Warriors have scored 79.6 points per game with 39.3 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 69.7 points against per game this season. Isaac Johnson is averaging 14.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while Dre Bullock is averaging 13.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Rainbow Warriors. Hawaii is shooting 45.9% from the field, 74.1% on free throws, and 31.5% on three pointers this year.
Why the Arkansas Razorbacks will win
- Arkansas has won each of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Hawaii has lost each of its last six games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Arkansas has won the first half in eight of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will win
- Hawaii has won six of its last seven games.
- Arkansas has lost seven of its last eight Thursday games played at neutral venues.
- Hawaii has won the first half in each of its last six day games played at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Hawaii’s last 15 games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
- Each of Arkansas’ last 10 games have produced a total of 161+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Arkansas is one of only three teams to reach the Sweet 16 in each of its last four NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Arkansas ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (32.3).
- Hawaii ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (9.2).
- Hawaii ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (0.75).
Arkansas vs Hawaii Prediction
Arkansas went on a run to the championship in the SEC Tournament and they will look to keep it going here. The Razorbacks are shooting 50% from the field and they have scored at least 82 points in five straight games. Hawaii was one of the top teams in the Big West this year and they have allowed 64 and 63 points in their last two games. The Rainbow Warriors are shooting 46% from the field and they average almost 40 rebounds per game. We should see plenty of scoring in this matchup, but I think there is some value with Hawaii, as Arkansas really struggles on defense. Take the points with the Rainbow Warriors.