Toney in and out of boot ahead of LSU game

Arkansas guard Au'Diese Toney reacts after scoring against LSU during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

TAMPA, Fla. — University of Arkansas Coach Eric Musselman said Thursday night in a text message that senior guard Au’Diese Toney had been in and out of a boot the previous 24 hours and had done some stationary shooting.

Toney didn’t play in No. 15 Arkansas’ 78-74 loss at Tennessee last Saturday in the regular-season finale because of a right ankle injury.

Musselman said after the game Toney injured the ankle in the final several minutes when the Razorbacks beat LSU 77-76 in Bud Walton Arena last Wednesday.

Arkansas (24-7) and LSU (22-10) will play for a third time this season at approximately 1:20 p.m. Friday in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals.

“I know [Toney] didn't play against Tennessee,” Tigers Coach Will Wade said Thursday after LSU beat Missouri 76-68. “But I heard he was out there warming up and then he didn't play, so I'm assuming he is going to be good to go [Friday].

“They've got other guys. I've watched the Tennessee game. I thought Kamani Johnson played tremendous in the Tennessee game in Toney's place.”

Johnson, a 6-7 junior forward, had 6 points and 8 rebounds in a season-high 24 minutes off the bench against the Vols.

“I thought he was physical and played well around the rim,” Wade said.

Toney had 18 points against LSU on March 2.

“Toney killed us at Arkansas,” Wade said. 

If Toney can’t play Thursday, Johnson would be a logical replacement in the starting lineup considering LSU out-rebounded Arkansas 43-34 and had 22 offensive rebounds in last week’s game.