“We value the basketball. We’ve clean-up turnovers. Defensively, we’ve gotten better,” said Bryan Hodgson when asked about how the team has improved since the season opener. “But if you sum it up – I hate to give you a generic answer – but health. You add Freddy Hicks back and that adds a huge dimension.”

No question the Red Wolves missed the 6’6″ 214 pound Freddy Hicks Jr., who was out with an injury for a extended stretch of conference play. That he’s back, rested and healthy, for the Red Wolves quarter-final contest with the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns brings a physicality around the rim – sorely missing against the Ragin Cajuns, with Hicks absent for the first and severely limited the second. Without Hicks, the Cajuns interior bigs – specifically the 6’9″ Joe Charles and the 270-lb Hosana Kitenge – provided overwhelming firepower in the paint.

Kitenge was especially a problem for Arkansas State, with the 6’8″ Englishman dropping 25 points on the Red Wolves in their first meeting, then 13 points and eight boards the second meeting. The Cajuns won both games, using their hard inside game with their notably stiff perimeter defense to neutralize Arkansas State’s strengths.

Red Wolves Keys to Victory

Break That Perimeter Defense

Nobody is better in college basketball at defending the three-ball than the Cajuns, which just happens to be the territory claimed by Arkansas State. The Red Wolves shot 18% and 23% from three its first two meetings. A-State will either have to find its stroke, or rely more on fast transitions and winning battles in the paint.

Avoid The Sleepy Start

The Cajuns enjoyed a nice, no-drama tune-up game against Coastal Carolina in the 2nd round while the Red Wolves will not have seen competitive play since last Saturday. The long layoff may be good for resting bruised bones and muscles, but the lack of activity could be a problem if Arkansas State aren’t prepped for a fast start.

Get Tough Around the Basket

Transition basketball will be crucial for Arkansas State, and so will winning battles beneath the hoop. The key player may not be Hicks or block-happy Izaiyah Nelson, but 6’4″ guard Derrian Ford, who has elevated his rebound game the last half of the conference season. Look for Ford and Hicks to deliver some bruising outside/in penetrating that the Cajuns haven’t yet seen from Arkansas State.

The Red Wolves and the Ragin’ Cajuns tip off on Saturday, 2 PM, with the broadcast available on ESPN+.

PHOTO CREDIT, MINE