Anderson: OK with state teams

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas Razorbacks Coach Mike Anderson said Thursday there haven’t been any discussions about scheduling the University of Arkansas at Little Rock or University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in basketball, but he didn’t discount it happening.

The University of Arkansas announced on Wednesday that it will play home baseball games in 2019 against fellow UA System members UALR and UAPB.

“As the flagship institution within our state, this is an opportunity for us to enhance interest in our nonconference schedules while supporting other schools within the University of Arkansas System,” Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek said in a statement. “We have initiated with baseball this year and are exploring opportunities for future years in other sports.”

Given Arkansas’ shift in previous policy of not scheduling in-state schools, having the Razorbacks play UALR and UAPB in basketball seems like a logical next step.

Anderson was asked if he’d be agreeable to scheduling the Trojans and Golden Lions.

“I think it’s something that’s taking place,” he said. “So yes.”

Arkansas never has played UALR or UAPB in basketball.

The last time the Razorbacks played an instate school was in the 1987 NIT opening round when they beat Arkansas State University 67-64 in overtime in Barnhill Arena.

Arkansas hasn’t played a scheduled basketball game against an in-state opponent since beating Arkansas Tech 50-45 in Fayetteville to open the 1950-51 season.

The Razorbacks are 21-0 all-time against in-state colleges, according to the UA media guide.