Arkansas @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 6, 2016 ) Houston 72, Arkansas 84

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson wasn't happy with his team's play Wednesday but isn't worried about it carrying into the next game. Sampson expects the Cougars will be ready to host former Southwest Conference rival Arkansas on Saturday night.

"This game isn't necessarily indicative of how we will prepare in practice for the game against Arkansas," Sampson said after an uninspired 75-66 win against New Orleans. "I was worried about this (New Orleans) game because of our big win last game and our sights on the Arkansas game." Sampson seemed to think his team was a little arrogant after a 97-58 win against Incarnate Word that's part of a four-game win streak. The Razorbacks haven't played since beating Connecticut 102-67 in the PK80 Invitational consolation bracket Sunday. The high-scoring Razorbacks - who have reached 90 points four times - are fueling their offense with 23.2 points off 16.7 turnovers per game.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

ABOUT ARKANSAS (5-1): Jaylen Barford leads the Razorbacks with 20.8 points while Daryl Macon - who left the North Carolina loss with an ankle injury but played against UConn - adds 16.3 points. The senior guards are both shooting at least 50 percent from the 3-point line, hitting 32 of Arkansas' 48 3-pointers. Arkansas' young bigs - 6-7 sophomore Adrio Bailey (8.0 points on 60.6 percent shooting) and 6-11 freshman Daniel Gafford (12.8 points on 71.1 percent shooting off the bench) - have combined for 22 blocks.

ABOUT HOUSTON (5-1): Senior Rob Gray leads the Cougars with 23.6 points and Wes VanBeck adds 13.2 points with a team-high seven steals. Devin Davis (10.3 points) pulls down a team-best 7.3 rebounds for the Cougars, who have outrebounded all six opponents for a plus-9.5 margin on the boards. Armoni Brooks (8.2 points off the bench) and Corey Davis Jr. (7.7 points off the bench) combined for four consecutive 3-pointers to break a 48-all tie against New Orleans.

TIP-INS

1. Arkansas has won nine straight games against teams from the state of Texas, including three against Texas A&M and last year's 84-72 home win against Houston.

2. Houston freshman Fabian White Jr. is shooting 70.6 percent off the bench for 5.2 points and has one double-double.

3. Arkansas and Purdue are the only high major teams with multiple players shooting at least 50 percent from the 3-point line (with at least 30 attempts).

PREDICTION: Arkansas 85, Houston 78