As anticipation builds for the highly awaited NCAA Tournament second-round matchup between Arkansas and St. John’s, the Arkansas Razorbacks face a significant hurdle: the continued absence of standout guard Adou Thiero. Head coach John Calipari confirmed that Thiero will not play against St. John’s on Saturday, following a knee injury he sustained during a game against Missouri on February 22. This news comes as disappointment to Razorbacks fans who were hopeful for his return.
The Impact of Thiero’s Absence
Adou Thiero has been a crucial player for Arkansas this season, leading the team in scoring with an impressive average of 15.6 points per game, as well as rebounding, contributing 6 boards per contest. His defensive prowess is also notable, with 1.7 steals per game, showcasing his ability to create turnovers. With Thiero sidelined, Arkansas is feeling the sting of his absence, now relying on a limited rotation of just eight players.
In the first round, Arkansas managed to secure a victory against Kansas, with the return of guard Boogie Fland energizing the team. Fland played a vital role in that win, scoring 6 points and assisting with 3 steals in just 24 minutes of action. However, the Razorbacks will need more than just Fland to compete effectively against St. John’s, especially without their top scorer.
Expectations for the Matchup
The contest against St. John’s poses a challenging scenario for the Razorbacks. The Red Storm are on a high, having recently claimed their first NCAA Tournament win since 2000, demonstrating formidable strength with a 31-win season under Rick Pitino in only his second year as head coach. Their first-round triumph over their opponent was decisive, with a score of 83-53, further amplifying the threat they pose to Arkansas.
Given their underdog status, with Arkansas being a 6.5-point favorite, the Razorbacks must adapt to their changing circumstances on the fly. Coach Calipari’s recent comments suggest a cautious optimism, yet he remains aware of the tough task ahead without Thiero’s presence. "The kid will try to convince me, but you’ve got to be able to go in and help," he remarked, indicating both his appreciation for Thiero’s determination and the pragmatic reality of the situation.
Conclusion
As game day approaches, all eyes will be on how Arkansas manages its lineup against a strong St. John’s team without their star player, Adou Thiero. Fans will tune in at 2:40 p.m. ET on CBS to see if the Razorbacks can rally together and leverage their strengths to overcome this significant challenge. The outcome of this game could define Arkansas’s journey in the tournament as they aim to push through despite adversity.
