Arkansas basketball is back in the Sweet 16 for the second season in a row, with a chance to take down Goliath of this year's NCAA Tournament.
No. 4 seed Arkansas (27-8) will face No. 1 overall seed Gonzaga (28-3) in the West Regional Semifinals in San Francisco on Thursday.
The Razorbacks entered Sweet 16 with a 52-48 win over New Mexico State No. 12 on Saturday. Like Arkansas, Gonzaga has been tested in its first two games. The Bulldogs went past No. 9 Memphis on Saturday to go 10 at halftime before progressing to Sweet 16 for a seventh straight tournament.
Here's what to know about the matchup between Razorbacks and Bulldogs.
High scoring
Arkansas prides itself on defense, but Gonzaga will be its toughest opponent in offense. Gonzaga ranks number 1 in the nation in scoring offense, averaging around 88 points per game.
The offense is also balanced, with five Bulldogs averaging over 11 points per game. Forward Drew Timmey leads the team at 18.2ppg.
Arkansas' defense was strong against New Mexico State, but was the number 12 seed with an average of 72 points per game.
Rebounding skills
Gonzaga is a tough rebounding team. The Bulldogs lead the nation in defensive rebounds per game, averaging over 32 grabs. Forward Chet Holmgren, a 7-footer, leads the team with 9.8 rebounds per game.
Gonzaga doesn't miss many shots, leading the country with a 52.6% field goal percentage, so it doesn't rely much on offensive boards.
On the defensive boards, Holmgren's national rank is slightly behind Arkansas forward Jaylin Williams. Williams entered the sweet 16 seconds in program history in a single-season rebound with 342. He needs eight to break the record.
Disturbing threat
Gonzaga looks to be defeatable in her two tournament games. The Bulldogs fought early with Georgia State and led just two at halftime, but 53 points in the second half took the game away. In the second round, Gonzaga escaped to Memphis 82–78.
Score prediction
Gonzaga 78, Arkansas 72: Arkansas won't go quietly, but a high-powered Gonzaga offense led by Timme and Holmgren will outlast a Razorback team that can't stand another slow-start, foul-playing game from J.D. Notte.