FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas' basketball team has played four games away from home this year, but none have been inside the U.S. and none have counted toward the Razorbacks' record.
That will change Tuesday as Arkansas (3-0) faces Minnesota (4-0) at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and will be shown on ESPN3.com.
The Razorbacks traveled to Spain over the summer for an exhibition tour, so more than how they travel, coach Mike Anderson is interested to see how his team with eight newcomers plays in a hostile environment.
"This is a true road test and this was put on our schedule specifically to find out where we are, and what we have got to do," said Anderson, whose teams are 15-38 on the road in six seasons at Arkansas. "We know going on the road the things you have got to do. You have got to put the ball in the hole, you have to be able to defense. We have got to keep them off the offensive boards."
Rebounding was an issue for the Razorbacks in their 71-67 win over Texas-Arlington last Friday. Arkansas gave up 14 offensive rebounds that the Mavericks converted into 18 points.
The Razorbacks overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to win.
"They went off to an 11-0 lead and a lot of those shots came off offensive rebounds and kick-outs," Anderson said. "So we are going to make sure we get to the glass and be a little more physical from that standpoint."
The game against Minnesota is being played as part of the Golden Gopher Classic, an event that allows participating teams to play an extra three games during the regular season. Texas-Arlington, Southern Illinois and Mount St. Mary's are also in the field.
Arkansas and Minnesota both beat Texas-Arlington after trailing at halftime. The Golden Gophers beat the Mavericks 84-67 last Monday.
The Williams Arena set-up is different than any other arena in which Arkansas will play this season. The 88-year-old venue has elevated floors similar to those at the NCAA Final Four and some tournament regional sites.
"It's like a stage and the seats are kind of down," said Anderson, who has coached twice at Minnesota, including as an Arkansas assistant in 1985. "Their court is up there. It's an interesting venue."
Like Arkansas, Minnesota has high expectations coming off a disappointing season. The Golden Gophers were 8-23 last year.
Minnesota coach Richard Pitino, son of Louisville coach Rick Pitino, expects a large crowd for a rare on-campus game between teams from opposing power conferences. The Golden Gophers are scheduled to return the game in Fayetteville next year.
"We scheduled this game with our fans in mind," Pitino said. "College basketball has talked about getting more home-and-homes in your building in November or early December, so we did that. I think it's our greatest test as of yet.
"(Arkansas) will be a big, big challenge for us, but we're looking forward to it."