Arkansas coach Eric Musselman’s post-game press conferences are predictable at this point.
His Razorbacks fell Saturday at Mississippi State, 71-67, in game in which Arkansas was outshot at the free-throw line 32-19. Musselman has not been a fan lately of the discrepancy between his team’s number of shots from the line compared to their opponents, especially as that style of offense is Arkansas’ bread-and-butter.
Musselman has said time and again he hesitates in being too critical of officiating because he prefers not to have to pay a fine to the Southeastern Conference for getting on the officials too much. Such was the case again Wednesday.
The reality is Arkansas played a solid game for what it had. Neither Jalen Graham or Trevon Brazile were available, which meant the Hogs had zero power forwards on the roster. Guards had to defend MSU bigs most of the game leading to a 42-27 rebounding advantage for the Bulldogs.
The good news is some of Arkansas’ players who had been struggling stepped up, giving hope to Hogs faithful and Musselman himself that the team can finish the year strong.
Here’s what Musselman had to say after the game.