North Texas at Arkansas 11/12/19 - College Basketball Picks & Predictions

Unlike most college basketball teams, North Texas has already been challenged by real competition this season. The Mean Green played at No. 25 VCU on Saturday and lost by just three points. It wasn't a win, but had to be encouraging for North Texas.

Against the Rams, senior guard DJ Draper came off the bench to provide a spark for the Mean Green. Draper has averaged less than five points per game over his career at North Texas, but hit 4 of 7 3-pointers for 12 points against VCU. Junior forward Zachary Simmons has been integral to success for North Texas last season, with 10.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Through two games this season, Simmons averages 12 points.

Arkansas had an up and down season last year, with streaks of wins and losses. The Razorbacks won their first NIT game against Providence before being eliminated by Indiana.

In the opener of 2019-20, Arkansas made a statement against Rice, with a 91-43 win. The Razorbacks outscored the Owls 52-24 in the second half en route to the huge win. 

Junior guard Mason Jones will be a player to watch this season. He averaged 13.8 points per game last year and a pair of 30-point games, including one against Florida. Jones had his way against Rice, with 32 points on 12 of 18 shooting. He hit 4 of 8 3-pointers and came away with five steals on the defensive end.