FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Interstat) — The Arkansas Razorbacks, looking to rebound from a ranked loss, will host the James Madison Dukes in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup on Monday, Dec. 29, at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas (9-3) enters the game after a 94-85 home loss to Houston on Dec. 20, which snapped a five-game winning streak. The Razorbacks’ offense has been potent, averaging 89.2 points per game during that stretch, fueled by standout guard Darius Acuff Jr. The sophomore is averaging 21.0 points and 8.5 assists over his last five games, including a 27-point, 7-assist effort against Houston and a 23-point, 10-assist double-double in a 108-80 rout of Queens (N.C.). James Madison (7-6) seeks to steady itself after dropping two straight road games, including a 96-92 overtime defeat at Georgia Southern on Dec. 20. The Dukes are led by guard Bradley Douglas, who scored a season-high 27 points in that loss. Douglas is averaging 15.3 points per game this season but has been inconsistent, following his 27-point outing with 13 points in a loss at Old Dominion. The game represents a final tune-up before conference play begins for both teams. Arkansas opens a rigorous Southeastern Conference slate on Jan. 3 against Tennessee. James Madison begins Sun Belt Conference action the same day at Arkansas State. Historically, Arkansas holds a distinct size and athleticism advantage typical of the SEC. The Razorbacks will rely on Acuff’s playmaking and scoring, alongside forward Malique Ewin, who added 20 points against Houston. James Madison will need a efficient performance from Douglas and secondary scoring from forwards Eddie Ricks and Gabe Newhof to compete. Newhof blocked four shots against Georgia Southern. The Dukes have struggled away from home, posting a 2-4 record in road or neutral-site games. Containing Acuff and handling Arkansas’s defensive pressure will be their primary challenges in a hostile road environment. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.