FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - After a pair of home tuneups, Arkansas' basketball team is off to Florida for its first significant challenge of the 2006-07 season.<br>
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The Razorbacks play in the Old Spice Classic this week in Orlando, Fla. They open against Southern Illinois on Thursday, then face either Minnesota or Marist on Friday.<br>
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Arkansas will also play Sunday against an opponent to be determined.<br>
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``This is our first trip on the road and I want to make sure we have the right attitude,'' coach Stan Heath said Monday. ``We need to be business-like. With the team we're facing, we can't look ahead.''<br>
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Southern Illinois has made the NCAA tournament five straight seasons, including last season as the Missouri Valley Conference tournament champion. The Salukis (2-0) fell a few votes short of cracking the AP Top 25 this week.<br>
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Heath is leery of the Salukis' pace.<br>
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``They play a very deliberate style,'' he said. ``It will not be a pretty game, but my concern is winning. For us, we can't get concerned with the way they play. We may have to guard them through the shot clock.''<br>
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Arkansas beat Southeast Missouri State 92-52 to open the season, then defeated Stephen F. Austin 70-59 last weekend. Two newcomers have impressed early on. Freshman Patrick Beverley scored 29 points in the opener, and junior college transfer Sonny Weems scored 24 in the second game.<br>
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Heath said he hopes for more production from Charles Thomas and Darian Townes, two of the Razorbacks' top returning scorers. Thomas was held scoreless against Stephen F. Austin.<br>
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``We've seen Patrick Beverley and Sonny Weems have big nights,'' Heath said. ``Now, we need to start firing on all cylinders.''
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