Arkansas entered the season with massive expectations. Then injuries hit, they did.
Arkansas had to fight from a poor SEC start. They did.
Arkansas had to fight through a tough SEC finish. They did.
Arkansas had to beat a tough Illinois team and one of the NCAA Tournament favorites to make a third straight Sweet 16. They did.
Arkansas needed to beat Connecticut in Las Vegas on Thursday to make it three straight Elite Eights.
They did not.
The fourth-seeded Huskies rolled, 88-65, to clinch that spot and send Arkansas’ wild season to a conclusion. UConn dominated on both ends, shooting 57% and holding the Hogs to 32%.
Coach Eric Musselman didn’t give up when his team was down by 29 points in the second half. He put on a full-court press and tried to rally his team. Arkansas went on a 10-run before UConn made three straight 3-pointers to seal things late.
Smiles on one side. Tears on the other. Arkansas’ season is over.