LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Trojans renew their series with a longtime in-state foe to cap off a special Rivalry Day on Saturday at the Jack Stephens Center. Little Rock (2-5) faces Arkansas State (6-2) 30 minutes after the women's matchup with UCA, which tips off at 6 p.m. as part of the Governor's I-40 Showdown presented by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
A full lineup of promotions and recognitions is planned throughout the evening.
The night will feature a White Out, with the first 500 fans receiving a free white Trojans T-shirt. Students will enjoy free admission and free pizza, along with opportunities to participate in several contests, including the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Scratch-Off game during the men's game and a Chick-fil-A Half-Court Shot during the third quarter of the women's game. Crain Automotive will also sponsor a $20,000 half-court shot for students during the men's contest.
During the women's game, former Trojan standout Asriel Rolfe Nazario will be honored with her award for leading the NCAA in assist-to-turnover ratio in 2009-10.
Halftime of the men's game will include two major recognitions, as Chastity Reed—Little Rock women's basketball assistant coach and the program's all-time leading scorer—and former men's star James Scott, the men's all-time leading scorer, will have banners raised in their honor.
Also at halftime, members of the Jack Stephens family will be recognized as the Trojans celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Jack Stephens Center.
Additionally, the 2009-10 women's team, of which Reed was a member, will be recognized during the men's game.
GAME INFO
Who: Little Rock (2-5) vs. Arkansas State (6-2)
When: 6 p.m., Saturday Dec. 6
Where: Jack Stephens Center (5,600)
Radio: 106.7 Buz2 (Ray Tucker, pxp; Jason Lanier, analyst) Listen
HERE.
Video: ESPN+ (Michael Westbrook, pxp; Jacob Ridenhour, analyst)
HERE.
SERIES HISTORY
•A-State leads the series 59-37.
•The series began in 1931.
•ASU is 15-23 in games played in Little Rock.
COACH SPEAK
"Arkansas State is always a big game for us, and with the women taking on UCA plus all the festivities, the atmosphere is going to be incredible. Our guys are excited to play in front of a packed home crowd and feel the advantage that brings."
TROJAN TIDBITS
• Graduate forward
Tuongthach Gatkek did not play in Wednesday's game at Central Arkansas and will also be out Saturday night and Tuesday at West Virginia. The 6-foot-9, 195-pound reigning OVC Player of the Year was inadvertently kicked in the eye while scrambling for a loose ball at Southern Illinois last week.
• Junior transfer Cam Wallace posted 19 points and 9 rebounds in 31 minutes at UCA Wednesday night.
• Redshirt sophomore
Christian Hughes made the start at UCA and logged a career-high 34 minutes.
• The Trojans return to the road Tuesday for a 6 p.m. tip-off at West Virginia.
SCOUTING THE RED WOLVES
• Arkansas State's roster has undergone a full overhaul under first-year head coach Ryan Pannone.
• Four Red Wolves average double figures, led by junior guard TJ Caldwell at 11.2 ppg.
• ASU averages nearly 80 points per game.
• The Red Wolves shoot 29% from three-point range.
