Why Arkansas State Should Win the Sun Belt Conference

Photo: Arkansas State Athletics

Jonesboro, AR. -- In an instate rivalry matchup between two teams, Arkansas State (ASU) and Little Rock (UALR), predicted to win their respective conferences, the Red Wolves came out on top with an 80-63 victory.

With a home crowd of 5,187, Arkansas State’s largest since their February 2017 contest with Little Rock, the Red Wolves led 27-33 at the half. But after pushing the lead to 47-33 four minutes into the second half, the home team handled the game despite a few pushes from the Trojans.

ASU, who took home 12/14 of the Sun Belt’s first-place votes in the preseason poll, looked the part against a solid Little Rock squad. Here’s what I learned about Arkansas State and why I believe they will win the Sun Belt Conference:

Head coach Bryan Hodgson, who spent time at Buffalo and Alabama under Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats, understands his personnel and the personnel of his opponents as well as any coach in the country. 

Hodgson’s run-and-gun offense totaled 78.8 points per game in 2023-24, which he noted was one of the best in Sun Belt history. In the Red Wolves’ three games, all against squads picked to win their conference, Hodgson’s team averages 78 points per game.

In their game against Little Rock, ASU shot 39 threes, a number they matched or beat 7 times last season. 

On the defensive side, ASU impressed as they forced UALR into 17 turnovers. 

UALR guard Jonathan Lawson scored 28 points in his team’s previous matchup against Winthrop. However, ASU was physical on the defensive end with Lawson and took him out of the game as he totaled 4 turnovers and only 7 points.

Forward Kobe Julien grabbed 6 steals, as his length bothered the Trojans all night. Julien added 16 points. Julien, who has a knack for drawing fouls, is an explosive athlete who excels in transition.

Offensively, the Red Wolf attack was headed by Taryn Todd, who led the Scarlet and Black with 17 points and created for himself and others all night. At first glance, Todd is the most naturally gifted player on this ASU squad; he’s a shifty, left-hand driver who can reach the paint at will.

Guards Joseph Pinion and Avery Felts knocked down three three-pointers Tuesday against UALR. The two combined for 14 total shots, which were all three-point attempts.

Forward Rashaud Marshall (6’8, 225) knows his role as well as anyone in the country. Marshall, ASU’s lone starting big man, came down with 11 rebounds on (get this) 0(!) shot attempts.

Where ASU may be vulnerable are as follows: 1) they seem to be living, or dying, by the three, 2) they are severely undersized as their lone big man is 6’8, and 3) they shot only 19/30 from the free throw line.

Overall, Arkansas State is talented and well-coached enough to beat anyone in the country. As long as they clean up the little things, the Red Wolves should find themselves in their first NCAA tournament berth since 1999.