Arkansas and LSU at Missouri

Update 1/27: As LSU missed duals with both Arkansas and Missouri, it was added to this meet and the entire competition was moved to Sunday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. ET.

Recap

The Big Storyline: Missouri defeated LSU for the first time since joining the SEC in 2013. While this was LSU’s second meet of the weekend, the visiting Tigers looked no worse for the wear and did not count a score below 9.725. 

Implications: This performance should help ensure Arkansas remains a top 20 team once NQS kicks in, but the Razorbacks continue to be a step behind the bulk of the SEC. On the other hand, Missouri made a compelling argument that its performance against Florida was no fluke and that it has the potential to upset the top teams in the country.

Records: Haleigh Bryant scored her fourth career perfect 10 on vault. Hollyn Patrick set a new career high with a 9.950 on bars..

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 2 LSU and No. 16 Arkansas at No. 11 Missouri

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: Arkansas has been nothing if not inconsistent this season: When the Gymbacks hit, they’re a formidable opponent; unfortunately, they’ve literally hit or miss this season. Top all arounder Kennedy Hambrick was “unavailable” last week against Kentucky, and the scores reflected her absence. 

On paper, the fifth-ranked Tigers is the favorite coming into this tri-meet, but there are a couple of factors working against them: Haleigh Bryant and Alyona Shchennikova are both limited by injury (to what extent remains to be seen); worst case scenario, that’s eight routines capable of 9.9-plus scores LSU will need to replace. Even if Bryant and Shchennikova were at full strength, the Tigers will be coming off of a Friday home meet against an always formidable Alabama.

Missouri had a disappointing (though still respectable 196.250) performance against Auburn last week and will be looking to reclaim its spot in the top 10. If it can replicate its level of performance against Florida the week before, it could potentially upset LSU (and maybe even the SEC pecking order). 

What We’re Watching: You won’t want to miss any of the power events: LSU and Missouri have some of the most dynamic vaults in the country, and all three teams have gone 49.550 or higher on floor.