Razorbacks look to right ship against Georgia
Bart Pohlman
Issue date: 1/17/07 Section: Sports
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"The game is played at a high speed," Heath said. "Sometimes you see things that you think give you a better option."
Heath said the Razorbacks have a lot of games in front of them and need to bounce back from a couple of tough losses.
"We dropped two games and we're only a game out of first," Heath said. "We need to make up a win somewhere down the road where it may not be expected."
Heath said going on the road is hard for everyone.
"Maturity has a lot to do with success on the road," Heath said. "We've been right there, but just not good enough."
Heath said he didn't think the Hogs played poorly at Florida, but that the one needed stop or one score abandoned them. He said he believes the team is close to being able to win on the road and that defense will keep the Razorbacks in tight road games.
Georgia (10-5, 2-1) comes to Bud Walton Arena having won two-straight SEC games after a conference-opening loss at Florida.
The Bulldogs defeated both South Carolina and Vanderbilt at home to push them above .500 mark in conference play.
Heath praised the Bulldogs for their improvement from a year ago.
"Georgia is probably the most improved team in the league," Heath said. "They shoot the ball very well in transition and the addition of some frontcourt players has made them more balanced."
Heath said the Georgia trio of Mike Mercer, Levi Stukes and Sundiata Gaines might be the fastest backcourt the Hogs have faced all season.
"They have speed and quickness," Heath said. "They all have the ability to put the ball on the floor and make shots in transition."
Heath said in order to counter the open-court style game of the Bulldogs, the Razorbacks have to defend well in transition and defend against the 3-pointer. Georgia used the outside shot to its advantage last month in an upset of Gonzaga.
Heath also said the Hogs might be without Ervin against the Bulldogs. Ervin tweaked his ankle in the loss to Ole Miss and could not practice Monday. If he can't practice Tuesday, Heath said he doesn't expect him to play.
Heath pointed out Ervin is disappointed in the way he played against Ole Miss and wants to be out on the court against Georgia.
Heath said that if Ervin is not available for the game, Beverley and sophomore Sean McCurdy would play point guard.
McCurdy could see extended minutes if he gets his confidence back up and plays solid basketball, Heath said.
"This is an important game," Heath said. "We need to protect our home court and get our confidence back."
Tip-off tonight is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. in Bud Walton Arena. The game will be televised by ESPNU.
Heath said the Razorbacks have a lot of games in front of them and need to bounce back from a couple of tough losses.
"We dropped two games and we're only a game out of first," Heath said. "We need to make up a win somewhere down the road where it may not be expected."
Heath said going on the road is hard for everyone.
"Maturity has a lot to do with success on the road," Heath said. "We've been right there, but just not good enough."
Heath said he didn't think the Hogs played poorly at Florida, but that the one needed stop or one score abandoned them. He said he believes the team is close to being able to win on the road and that defense will keep the Razorbacks in tight road games.
Georgia (10-5, 2-1) comes to Bud Walton Arena having won two-straight SEC games after a conference-opening loss at Florida.
The Bulldogs defeated both South Carolina and Vanderbilt at home to push them above .500 mark in conference play.
Heath praised the Bulldogs for their improvement from a year ago.
"Georgia is probably the most improved team in the league," Heath said. "They shoot the ball very well in transition and the addition of some frontcourt players has made them more balanced."
Heath said the Georgia trio of Mike Mercer, Levi Stukes and Sundiata Gaines might be the fastest backcourt the Hogs have faced all season.
"They have speed and quickness," Heath said. "They all have the ability to put the ball on the floor and make shots in transition."
Heath said in order to counter the open-court style game of the Bulldogs, the Razorbacks have to defend well in transition and defend against the 3-pointer. Georgia used the outside shot to its advantage last month in an upset of Gonzaga.
Heath also said the Hogs might be without Ervin against the Bulldogs. Ervin tweaked his ankle in the loss to Ole Miss and could not practice Monday. If he can't practice Tuesday, Heath said he doesn't expect him to play.
Heath pointed out Ervin is disappointed in the way he played against Ole Miss and wants to be out on the court against Georgia.
Heath said that if Ervin is not available for the game, Beverley and sophomore Sean McCurdy would play point guard.
McCurdy could see extended minutes if he gets his confidence back up and plays solid basketball, Heath said.
"This is an important game," Heath said. "We need to protect our home court and get our confidence back."
Tip-off tonight is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. in Bud Walton Arena. The game will be televised by ESPNU.
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