Arkansas at Auburn

Recap

The Big Storyline: Arkansas set another program record score and topped its performance from last week. The Razorbacks were led by all arounder Kennedy Hambrick’s impressive performance—the junior went 9.900 or better on every event. Auburn didn’t, but it earned a season-best score nevertheless. Meredith Sylvia had a gorgeous routine on beam, and Derrian Gobourne was just shy of perfection yet again on floor. 

Implications: Arkansas will make it to the night session of the SEC championship. This is a huge accomplishment in a competitive conference and is a stepping stone to reaching nationals for the first time since 2012. Auburn might be one of the most improved teams from the start of the season. The Tigers dealt with some injuries and inexperience early-on but have excelled over the past few weeks. Expect a stronger campaign from the program next season with more experienced routines, a COVID sixth-year for Drew Watson and the expected addition of U.S. National Team member Sunisa Lee. 

Records: Arkansas set a new program record with a 197.425. Its bar rotation went 49.425, which is the sixth-best in program history and the highest mark achieved on the road. Jensen Scalzo recorded a career high 9.925 on bars. Bailey Lovett had a career high 9.950 on beam.