FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Interstat) — Two teams riding the momentum of strong early-season starts will collide Saturday when the Fresno State Bulldogs visit the Arkansas Razorbacks in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup at Bud Walton Arena. Both teams enter the 6 p.m. CST tipoff with identical 6-3 records, though their paths have differed. Fresno State looks to rebound from a surprising 76-71 home loss to Cal State Bakersfield last Sunday. Arkansas, meanwhile, is buoyed by a quality 89-80 home victory over Louisville on Wednesday. The game features a compelling individual matchup between two of the nation’s top scorers. Fresno State’s offensive engine is senior guard Jake Heidbreder, who is averaging 21.1 points per game. Heidbreder has been on a tear, scoring 20 or more points in five of his last seven contests, including a 33-point outburst against New Orleans on Nov. 21. His ability to create shots and carry the scoring load will be critical for the Bulldogs. Arkansas will counter with its own dynamic forward in Trevon Brazile. The versatile 6-foot-10 senior is coming off a 21-point performance against Louisville and provides a major interior presence, averaging nearly two blocks per game. His length and athleticism on both ends will challenge Fresno State in the paint. The Razorbacks boast a more balanced attack, as evidenced by their win over Louisville where three players scored 17 points or more, including a double-double from guard Darius Acuff Jr. Arkansas’s schedule has been notably tougher, featuring a narrow road loss to Michigan State and a neutral-court defeat to Duke. For Fresno State, support for Heidbreder will be essential. Guard Zaon Collins, who had 17 points and 4 assists in the loss to Bakersfield, is a key secondary playmaker. The Bulldogs must improve their perimeter defense against an Arkansas team that has shown explosive scoring potential, putting up 115 points against Jackson State. This contest represents a final major nonconference test for both sides before league play intensifies. Arkansas begins a daunting Southeastern Conference slate in January, while Fresno State opens Mountain West Conference action at the end of December. A win Saturday would provide a significant resume boost and momentum heading into the heart of the schedule.