Menifield Felt Razorbacks Played Like They Looked

After an 83-51 record-setting loss to Auburn, this team apparently let go of rope

Author:
Andy Hodges
Publish date:
Jan 6, 2024 10:18 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Just to be crystal clear, Arkansas stunk Saturday afternoon. Those aren't just my words. Eric Musselman said it several times in his postgame visit with the media later. Worse than that, though, this team just flat quit trying in the second half.

At least it looked that way. Guard Keyon Menifield confirmed it later, which raised an eyebrow. It's not very often we hear that kind of statement from a player. That does at least provide some clarification to an 83-51 loss in Bud Walton Arena. That was a record for that building.

"It feels like we quit," Menifield said. "We didn’t play as a team and we weren’t together out there. So when you’re not together and you don’t have fight out there and let people punk you, that’s what happens."

Razorbacks Keyon Menifield against Auburn

That's really exactly what happened, almost from the opening tip, which started with some mouthing. The flashback to the time the Razorbacks hosted No. 1 UNLV in Barnhill Arena and as they were kicking the Hogs sideways, Larry Johnson ran by Nolan Richardson and yelled to him, "you gotta go get some men!" He agreed, which led to a 1994 championship team.

In case you're wondering, that team would have never gotten "punked" like that. Corliss Williams or somebody would have taken care of that situation and the game might have gotten really ugly.

Not that this one wasn't ugly enough the way it played out. "When we play as a team we’re a good team, but tonight was one of them nights," Menifield said.

Musselman wouldn't say they quit. After he found out it was the worst loss in the Razorbacks' history playing in Bud Walton, he appeared a little at a loss for anything that could get much lower than that.

"That’s a pretty bold statement," Musselman said. "And it’s factual. I don’t know what it means to that locker room. I know what it means to me. I know the history of this program. I have incredible respect for everybody that’s coached here, everybody that’s played here. That’s a ‘wow’ statement."

Things won't get any easier any time soon. The Hogs go on the road to play Georgia on Wednesday night and then down to Florida against the Gators on Saturday afternoon. At least expectations won't be too high after that loss Saturday.