Previewing #9 Virginia basketball’s matchup against #12 Arkansas

The Virginia Cavaliers (2-0) face their first major test of the 2026-2027 campaign as they travel to Washington, D.C., to take on the No. 12 Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0) on Sunday afternoon. After opening the season with two convincing yet flawed victories over Drexel and Northeastern, Ryan Odom and his squad will have an opportunity to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.

Arkansas, which has the chance to do the same, is led by legendary head coach John Calipari, who has tremendous respect for the Cavaliers this season. Coach Cal said it best himself that he “was on crack” when he scheduled this Virginia team so early in the season.

Arkansas enters the contest with high expectations after finishing last season 28-9, winning the SEC Tournament, and advancing to the Sweet 16.

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The Razorbacks opened their season with a dominant 106-61 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and will present a significantly tougher challenge than either of Virginia’s first two opponents.

For Virginia, this is an opportunity to make an early statement on the national stage and build momentum heading into a challenging non-conference schedule.

Three things to watch in this one will be:

Can Virginia contain Arkansas’ talented backcourt?

John Calipari has made a career out of recruiting some of the nation’s most talented guards, and this year’s Arkansas team is no exception. Freshman and Virginia native, Jordan Smith Jr., arrives in Fayetteville as the reigning National High School Player of the Year and one of the most highly regarded recruits in the country.

Alongside Smith is Georgia transfer Jeremiah Wilkinson, giving the Razorbacks an athletic backcourt that can create offense and pressure opposing defenses. Arkansas also has talented freshman JJ Andrews and returning wing Billy Richmond III, making this one of the more intriguing perimeter groups Virginia will face all season.

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For the Cavaliers, Chance Mallory and Sam Lewis will have their hands full. Virginia’s defensive…

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Publish date : 2026-11-07 19:44:00

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