At the start of the new year, the No. 24 Lady Bulldogs’ game versus Arkansas was supposed to be much more important.

Georgia (16-6, 3-4 SEC) and Arkansas (17-5, 2-5) have been in free fall, combining for a 5-11 record since Jan. 6.

Head coach Andy Landers has employed a number of different practice and pre-game tactics during his team’s recent losing streak, as the Lady Bulldogs look to avoid what would be the first four-game skid in Landers’ 29-year tenure.

“You obviously have to take it one game at a time, but we’ve changed the structure of practice to total accountability,” Landers said.

“There’s consequences for turnovers, not boxing out, missing lay-ups.”

Landers is hoping to improve upon a number of factors that have contributed to the team’s three-game slump, including an average of 20 turnovers per game over Georgia’s last seven contests (2-5).

Arkansas is struggling in conference play as well, especially after suffering the loss of forward Lauren Ervin, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury.

Nevertheless, Landers indicated the Lady Razorbacks still pose match-up issues for the Lady Bulldogs across the floor.

“They will unload the three-ball on you like fireworks at the fourth of July,” Landers said of Arkansas. “They’re a little bit small in the post, but their post players will face up and drive, which could create some problems for our post players.”

One thing sure about the Lady Razorbacks is their ability to score from anywhere on the floor, as each member of the starting five averages between nine and 11 points per game.

Georgia and Arkansas tip off at 8 tonight at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark.