How Fans, Media Reacted to Hogs’ Season Finale Against Alabama
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas finally put a close to the most underwhelming season in recent memory. The Razorbacks closed the regular season with a 15-16, the first below .500 since 2009-2010 under John Pelphrey.
If Arkansas wants to avoid the first losing season under Musselman, it will need to win two games in Nashville at the SEC Tournament. The Hogs made plenty of mistakes down the stretch defensively against Alabama which resulted in a 92-88 overtime loss.
There were multiple opportunities to keep the game out of Alabama’s reach. However, the Crimson Tide found ways to overcome a late seven point deficit to pull out a win. Here’s how fans and media reacted to Arkansas’ loss.
Alabama was given the benefit of a few whistles through the first half. Multiple missed shots at the rim were bailed out with a foul whether deserved or not.
Mark Sears received multiple camera shots throughout the game and so did his parents. Which drew a thought of the family receiving more camera time than Taylor Swift or Buzz Williams.
Then, the cookie jar story was told by commentator Jimmy Dykes with every trip to the free throw line. While it seemed like a dozen times, Sears only attempted seven free throws.
Now, foul trouble started for Alabama early as the Tide held a 9-2 deficit. The roar from Coleman Coliseum was great and so was the reaction from its bench. The string of fouls nearly created a riot but Oats team was able to keep its composure and fight until the end.
Ten minutes of game time surpassed before Alabama was ever whistled for another foul. But, that didn’t stop Crimson Tide fans from starting a conspiracy against the No. 2 team in the SEC.
During the buildup to Saturday’s game, Oats was not complimentary of Arkansas’ shot selection. Musselman had his team shooting hot during the first half shooting 65% from the field including multiple midrange jumpers.
Arkansas’ shot making plummeted during the second half. The Razorbacks finished 45% from the field and only 4-of-20 from three.
The Crimson Tide started the game 2-of-10 from three and under 30% from the field. Their mass amount of shot taking helps create more offense off long rebounds. The Tide can be ice cold for long stretches but be so streaky and climb back into a game quickly.
Because of Alabama’s shot making, it was quickly apparent that the game would end in overtime. Free basketball for everyone but maybe it shouldn’t have been.
An epic missed foul on a dunk attempt by Makhi Mitchell resulted in a game tying three by Alabama‘s Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
Mitchell’s mother also thought the close of regulation warranted a foul.
Of course, the game went to overtime. Pain settled in for Arkansas after a hotly contested battle.
The first three and a half minutes of overtime were back and forth buckets. Alabama leaders Aaron Estrada and Sears called game to put Arkansas fans out of their misery.
Instead of rolling with hot hands like Battle or Mitchell, Tramon Mark was considered the go-to guy with time winding down. He shot 3-of-10 from the field and struggled to stay in front of Alabama guards throughout the game.
The Razorbacks have been far from perfect over the past two weeks with their energy apparent each night. Now, they must win the SEC Tournament with an NCAA Tournament bid long gone. That means there is still a chance, a long shot but a chance nonetheless.
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