Razorbacks Face Challenges Without Leading Scorer Against South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Arkansas men’s basketball team will be missing its leading scorer and rebounder, Adou Thiero, when they face South Carolina at Colonial Life Arena on Saturday. Thiero, who averages 15.6 points and 6 rebounds per game, is sidelined due to a hyperextended left knee and missed the Razorbacks’ latest win over Texas.

The Razorbacks secured an 86-81 overtime victory against the Longhorns on Wednesday without Thiero, who also missed the previous game against Missouri due to back issues. No timeline has been given for his return. Associate head coach Kenny Payne expressed the team’s need for Thiero, stating, “We hope he comes back soon, and as we get more information, we’ll know more.”

In Thiero’s absence, Arkansas’s starting lineup stepped up, with each player scoring in double figures during the Texas game. The team now faces a critical matchup against the Gamecocks, who are struggling in the SEC rankings with a record of 11-17, including a 1-14 conference mark.

“We talked about success is when opportunity meets preparation, so somebody else had to step up,” Payne said. “We really thought it’d be a multitude of guys, and it was.”

As March Madness approaches, a win against South Carolina is essential for Arkansas’s NCAA Tournament hopes. With projections placing the team in the bracket, a loss would be detrimental.

Trevon Brazile, who played 40 minutes against Texas, is expected to play a key role in this matchup, as he has been stepping up since Thiero’s injury. He recorded 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists in the overtime win.

On the other hand, South Carolina’s leading player, Collin Murray-Boyles, continues to be a threat for the Gamecocks, averaging 16.2 points and 8.5 rebounds.

The tip-off is scheduled for noon Central and will be broadcast on SEC Network. Fans will be keeping a close watch on how the Razorbacks adjust without their star player as they aim to secure their place in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.