Broome Provides Difficult Match-Up for Arkansas in SEC Opener

The Razorbacks will be tested in physicality, pace Saturday against an Auburn

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - While Arkansas played a rigorous non-conference schedule the past two months, it must prepare for its most physical test yet. Auburn comes in with an 11-2 overall record with wins over Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, USC and Indiana.

The Tigers' best player, Johni Broome, comes off a dominant performance of 24 points and 12 rebounds against Penn. Auburn finally rests inside the AP Top 25 poll and looks to extend its six-game win streak. 

So far, Broome has been rock solid, scoring 16 points and nine rebounds for the Tigers. The 6-foot-10, 235 pound center hasn't built his stat line against bums either, putting up 16 points and 11 rebounds against Baylor and a career-high 30 points and 13 rebounds against Virginia Tech.

Arkansas has struggled at times protecting driving lanes, but do have one of the best block averages in the country. Broome is in the midst of his most efficient shooting season of his career, knocking down almost 64% of his shots inside the arc. However, he has also become a more consistent deep threat, connecting on 7-of-26 attempts from three, including a 3-of-4 mark against Penn in his last outing. 

“[Broome] had clean looks tonight and he took them in rhythm,” Pearl said following the victory over Penn. “He’s just got such a great offensive pace to his game. He doesn’t rush. He’s a great athlete, he’s got great balance, and he’s able to do a lot of things in there offensively. He scores with his back to the basket, he’s old school. Stepping to the foul line and making free throws is important.”

The emergence of Broome's three-point shooting will allow Auburn to run more five-out sets similar to the positionless style of ball Arkansas coach Eric Musselman likes to use. The Razorbacks block seven shots a game, which ranks sixth in the country. Bringing Arkansas' length away from the basket will open more lanes for the Auburn guards to drive to the basket or have more open shots around the perimeter.

“And look, as a play caller, if I can bring the opponent’s big away from the basket, that opens the rim for everybody else,” Pearl said. “So, his ability to shoot it and the need to guard him is as important as anything. He feels good about himself. He, obviously, feels good about himself.”

Musselman is fully aware of what Pearl wants to do against the Razorbacks and luckily for Arkansas this game could be a track meet inside Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks have scored 164 points since the second half of its game against Abilene Christian.

"Our league, for all of us, we feel like we experienced a lot of different things in non-conference play," Musselman said. "In our league, you're talking about great length, great athleticism, and quick pace of play."

Much of the increase in pace has been spurred by the addition of point guard Keyon Menifield, who has helped the Hogs play faster and more efficient. 

"He just naturally sees plays develop, and we felt that way when we recruited him," Musselman said. "I was kind of amazed as a freshman how he could read the second and third line of the defense.

"[Menifield] is really good in transition, too. He does make us a much different team that plays, with a much different pace."

The rust on Menifield's game has seemingly been scrubbed off following his latest outing against UNC-Wilmington when he scored a career-high 32 points and dished five assists. He shot 8-of-14 from the field, 3-of-7 from three and sunk 13-of-17 free throw attempts.

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