Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman reacts on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)After coming up short 90-87 to a veteran No. 10 Creighton Bluejays squad in an NCAA Tournament-caliber game at the Maui Invitational on Tuesday, the No 9 Arkansas Razorbacks face the No. 17 San Diego State Aztecs at 9 tonight. on ESPN2.
The Aztecs fell 87-70 to No. 14 Arizona in the late game.
Arkansas coach Eric Musselman was scalding hot after the ballgame in the Lahaina Civic Center because of the officiating. On his post-game radio appearance Musselman didn’t hold back in blasting the officials.
“I’ve never seen anything like it in my life,” Musselman said. “I’ve never seen a foul called like that in all the time I’ve coached. A lot of games, a lot of years. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Arkansas’s bench drew a technical foul with 13:57 left in the game that clearly exasperated Musselman. That likely was the call he was referencing.
Musselman was clearly still angry during his media appearance following the game. His body language said a lot more than his brief statements.
Razorback Men’s Basketball
Opponent: San Diego State (Maui Invitational)
When: 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23
Where: Lahaina, Hawaii
TV: ESPN2
Next 5 games
Nov. 28 — Troy
Dec. 3 – San Jose State
Dec. 6 – UNC Greensboro
Dec. 10 – Oklahoma (in Tulsa, Okla.)
Dec. 17 – Bradley (in North Little Rock)
Despite suffering a tough loss, Musselman’s Razorbacks played well against the experienced Bluejays in a highly entertaining game that could have been mistaken for a Sweet 16 or an Elite Eight contest.
The Hogs were again led by 6-7 freshman guard Anthony Black, who did it all for the Hogs with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Junior guard Ricky Council IV was nearly as effective, adding 24 points 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Sophomore forward Trevon Brazile contributed 17 points 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. He also added another highlight-reel dunk to his resume.
Creighton outrebounded the Razorbacks, 35-31, but the key to the game was their outstanding shooting percentage of 58.5% from the field, including an incredible 63.6% from the field in the second half. The Blue Jays also shot 50% from the 3-point line.
From his brief comments, Musselman was upset by the high-scoring nature of the game. Until Tuesday, the most points the Hogs allowed was 58 to North Dakota State in their opener.
Arkansas shot 47.1% from the field and 40% from the free-throw line to remain within striking distance throughout the contest.
