Razorbacks Blow Chances Against Alabama in OT Loss
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Everything good and bad about a disappointing season were on display for Arkansas in a 92-88 overtime loss against Alabama. The biggest problem was the bad came at the very end of regulation and overtime.
Apparently, Razorback fans now have a right to jump up and down about the Crimson Tide's home advantage with officials in the SEC. For some reason, they apparently didn't see the Hogs' Makhi Mitchell getting slapped in the face by Alabama's Nick Pringle with 34 seconds left.
The resulting free throws, that would have put the Hogs up by five and likely provide a mountain too high for the Tide to overcome, even at home. It's really not like the Hogs didn't have chances to close out a win, but they couldn't hold big leads or manage to finish a game. We saw that movie several times in a 15-16 season.
"That hasn't happened or us all season long, quite frankly," Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman said later. "I saw the body contact. It's not worth commenting. It's not worth sending in. Alabama beat us. No excuses, but there contact with 'Khi.'"
Arkansas forward Makhi Mitchell (15) scores inside against Alabama forward Grant Nelson (2) at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama came from behind to win on overtime 92-88.
Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY Sports
Musselman knows it wouldn't do any good for whatever reason. He also knows Khalif Battle had a chance to drive into the lane with the score tied as time was running out. All the guard who was 11-of-11 at the free-throw line had to do was drive the lane and draw a foul, hit one of the shots and come home with a win. Instead, Battle jacked up a three-pointer that kissed off the front of the rim and it was over.
"I can't fault our effort. We played really, really hard," Musselman said. "It's a tough environment. Alabama's only lost two games on the year. One of them was a long time ago against Clemson at the beginning of the year. Hard building to play in. Really talented team."
For whatever reason, the Crimson Tide didn't seem interested in playing early in the game early. The Hogs built a 10-2 lead that expanded to as much as 15 in the first half.
Alabama cut the lead to 49-48 with 13:05 left as the Razorbacks looked worn out on defense and not able to guard much of anything. The Tide cut the lead to a one possession game five times but never were able to close it out until overtime.
Then it fell apart for the Razorbacks as Alabama suddenly starting shooting well and the Hogs couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.
With Musselman's first losing record as a college coach, now things move to the SEC Tournament where they will play Vanderbilt on Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.
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