LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock will begin the final stretch of the regular season within the borders of the Natural State starting with Friday's tilt at Arkansas State.
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Tip-off in Jonesboro is set for 7 p.m. as Brad Bobo and CJ Pepper will call the action on ESPN+. Fans in Arkansas' capital city can follow as Trey Schaap calls the action on the Little Rock Trojans Radio Network (Flagship: 920AM The Sports Animal).
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Series History
- This will be the 65th meeting between the two in-state foes in a series that dates back to 1978.
- Little Rock has the more recent success, winning eight of the last 10 meetings and 15 of the last 20, despite A-State holding a 40-24 advantage in the all-time series.
- The meetings in Jonesboro have not been kind to the Trojans as A-State has won 25 of the 31 meetings played at A-State.
- Arkansas State claimed the last game played in Jonesboro and three of the last five.
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Five Things to Know
- A Natural (State) Finish to the Regular Season
With three games left in the regular season, Little Rock will be wrapping up the year within the borders of the Natural State. After the Trojans visit Jonesboro, they will return home to host Troy (March 5) and South Alabama (March 7) to close out the regular season.
- Will It Be Broom-Worthy?
More than just a win, Little Rock is playing for a season sweep of the Red Wolves. Arkansas State thwarted the sweep last year with a close win in Jonesboro. More than that, it could be a genderless sweep. The Trojan men have done their part and a win on Friday would mark the first men's-women's sweep of Arkansas State since the 2011-12 season.
- Pivotal in Conference Standings
With the season now in the home stretch, Friday's game (and every game) is pivotal as the race for conference tournament seeding begins to shake out. Little Rock is currently fourth with a chance to host the first two rounds of the Sun Belt Tournament on March 10-11 if they can maintain their hold on a top-four finish.
- Battle for Blocks
Entering Saturday's game, Little Rock ranks 23rd in the nation by allowing just a 5.5% opponent block rate. That may play right into the Trojans hands. Arkansas State is averaging just 2.1 blocks per game this season, a rate that ranks 299th in the country.
- Teal is the Color of Free
Throws, that is. Battle's free throw marks aren't just among the national best, they are among some of the best single-season marks in Little Rock history. Battle's 103 free throws rank third in Little Rock history. Meanwhile her 153 free throw attempts ranks tied for fourth in school history alongside Kaitlynn Pratt (2016-17).
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