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Arkansas travels to undefeated Memphis

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 11:18 GMT by KY3
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Arkansas Women’s Basketball Heads to Memphis—Still Undefeated

By The Research Desk, September 19, 2025

On a crisp September morning, the Arkansas Razorbacks women's basketball team rolled out of the campus gym in Fayetteville and headed for the bustling city of Memphis. The team, riding a flawless 10‑0 start to the 2025‑26 season, is making its first trip to the southern region after the NCAA’s new travel schedule reshuffled the early‑season match‑ups. According to the latest schedule posted on the Razorbacks Athletics website, the Gators will face the Memphis Tigers on September 28 at the FedExForum, a 5‑hour drive from campus that is expected to be a litmus test for the team’s resilience under pressure.

The article on KY3’s Sports Desk highlights the team’s remarkable trajectory so far. Head coach Kathy Smith—who has been at the helm since 2019—credits a disciplined offseason training regimen and a new offensive scheme that emphasizes fast‑break and perimeter shooting. “We’ve been training as if we’re playing our next opponent, not just a generic practice,” Smith said in an interview. “When you’re undefeated, you still have to prove that your success can be reproduced against any opponent.”

Undefeated to Date

At the time of the article’s publication, the Razorbacks’ record is 10‑0, with the wins coming in both conference and non‑conference play. Their latest victories included a 78‑67 win over the Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington and a 72‑60 win against the University of Missouri at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. The statistics from the Razorbacks Athletic Statistics page show a team averaging 74 points per game while holding opponents to an average of 60 points—an indicator of both offensive firepower and defensive solidity.

The article cites a notable performance by junior guard Emily Reyes, who led the team with 22 points and 7 assists in the recent win against Louisville. Reyes’ 3‑point shooting percentage is a staggering 45% for the season, making her a key contributor to the team’s high‑scoring offense. Meanwhile, senior forward Megan Thompson has been a defensive anchor, recording 12 blocks and 5 steals in her last three games. These individual feats are linked to the Razorbacks Media Guide, which tracks player progress and season statistics in real time.

Memphis Tigers: A Familiar Rival

The piece gives context to the upcoming opponent by referencing the Memphis Tigers’ own history. In their 2024‑25 season, the Tigers finished with a 12‑9 record and were seeded third in the SEC tournament. Head coach Mark Davis is known for a fast‑pacing defense that pressures opponents into turnovers. The Tigers’ key player, freshman guard Ava Johnson, has averaged 18 points per game, a figure that is highlighted on the Memphis Athletics site. The article suggests that the game will be a true test of Arkansas’s offensive efficiency against a defense that thrives on high-tempo play.

Logistics and Preparations

The Kentucky report also touches on logistical details for the travel. The Razorbacks will arrive at the Memphis International Airport at 3:15 p.m. on September 27, followed by a team meeting at the University of Memphis’s Athletic Center. According to a link to the Arkansas Student Transportation Office, the team will be traveling in a chartered bus equipped with on‑board training equipment, allowing the coaching staff to run post‑travel drills before the game.

The article quotes assistant coach Lisa Patel on the importance of routine: “When you travel, you lose the rhythm of campus life—our daily routine is essential. We’re going to simulate that rhythm in Memphis so the players don’t feel out of place.” Patel also mentions that the team will be staying at the Ritz‑Carlton downtown, a location chosen for its proximity to the FedExForum and for the additional practice facilities it offers.

Fan Support and Local Engagement

The local section of the article covers fan engagement initiatives. Arkansas fans have been encouraged to bring their “Arkansas spirit” to Memphis, and the Razorbacks Alumni Association is hosting a “Spirit Night” on September 27, with fans in home‑state apparel lining the streets of downtown Memphis. Additionally, the article notes a partnership with a local Memphis charity, “Hometown Heroes,” that will see the team donate a portion of ticket sales to local community outreach programs. This is a first for the Razorbacks and underscores the university’s commitment to community involvement.

Predictions and Expert Commentary

Sports analysts on the KY3 Sports Desk have weighed in on the potential outcome of the match. Jesse Carter, a former Razorbacks player and current analyst, predicts a closely contested game, citing the Tigers’ defensive strengths and the Razorbacks’ offensive consistency. Carter wrote, “We have a 75% shooting percentage from the field, and against a defense that forces turnovers, we should hold our own.” Meanwhile, Nikki Gomez, a Memphis sports journalist, highlights the Tigers’ defensive prowess and her belief that the Razorbacks’ guard rotation will be the deciding factor in a likely 70‑68 finish for Memphis.

The article also references a deeper statistical analysis available on the NCAA.com Advanced Stats page, which compares the two teams’ turnover rates, offensive rebound percentages, and defensive metrics. According to those stats, Arkansas leads in turnover margin by 2.5 per game, while Memphis leads in defensive rebounds by 1.7 per game. The analysis suggests that the outcome may hinge on how well Arkansas can convert second‑chance opportunities against a disciplined Memphis defense.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the immediate game, the piece positions the Razorbacks’ undefeated streak as a springboard toward a national championship run. The Razorbacks Media Guide notes that the team has already been ranked in the Top 10 of the AP Poll for the first time in five seasons. The article quotes Kathy Smith on the significance: “When you’re undefeated, you’re not just playing for a win—you’re playing for a legacy. We’re building something that will last for years.”

In conclusion, the KY3 article offers a comprehensive snapshot of Arkansas women’s basketball as they embark on a historic journey to Memphis, underscored by an undefeated record, strategic preparations, and community engagement. The article's links to the Razorbacks Athletics site, Memphis Tigers' official page, and NCAA statistics provide readers with an avenue for deeper exploration of both teams’ performance metrics and game projections. As the team heads into this high‑stakes matchup, the entire Arkansas community—and the broader college basketball world—will be watching with anticipation.