Arkansas Basketball was on top of the world six days ago. The Razorbacks welcomed then-No. 1 Auburn to Bud Walton Arena in what was the biggest game in the venue’s history. They would need an extra period, but Arkansas took down the nation’s top team, 80-76. The Razorbacks had just won their ninth straight game, and all was right in the world.
When a team wins an emotional game such as the way that Arkansas beat Auburn, it’s hard to keep the momentum going, especially when you have to play in one of the Southeastern Conference’s toughest venues three days later.
The Razorbacks fought until the very end against Alabama on Saturday, charging back after being down by as many as 13 points to take a one-point lead inside of a minute to go before a Crimson Tide jump shot sealed the deal, giving Alabama the 68-67 win.
Despite the loss, Arkansas could not have prepared any better for Alabama, says head coach Eric Musselman.
“I think the way that we prepared for Alabama after an emotional win against Auburn, I’m really proud of our team,” said Musselman “A lot of teams would not be able to come down from an emotional high and go out and compete like we did.”
As the focus shifts to their next opponent, a team they have already beaten this season in Missouri, it will be interesting to see how Arkansas regroups. Musselman believes that fans have nothing to worry about, and that he likes his team’s headspace going into the game.
“We are mature, we know who we are, and we know that this is going to be a difficult game as most games are when we play Cuonzo Martin’s teams,” says Musselman. “He’s an excellent coach, they play hard, they play together, and they are hard to beat at home. We have to get ready to play this game and turn the page.”
No. 23 Arkansas battles Missouri Tuesday at 8 p.m. CT in Columbia, MO.