How Fans, Media Reacted to Hogs’ Season Finale Against Alabama
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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.
if I see Mark Sears' mom on my tv one more time i'm turning it off
— Palmer Calipari (@palmercalipari) March 9, 2024
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.
We get it Jimmy Dykes…. Put your hand in the cookie jar. You don’t have to repeat the same story 100 times….😑
— arkhogfan (@weriggs) March 9, 2024
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.
SEC refs proving once again they control wins and losses @GregSankey Absolutely pitiful @SECOfficiating Alabama vs Arkansas
— Jon P (@BamaGrad00) March 9, 2024
Alabama still sitting on 9 fouls for how many minutes now?
— MadMemaw (@MadMemaw61) March 9, 2024
Why would they rig it in favor of a team not making the tournament to hurt the seeding of one that will? Big brain stuff here. https://t.co/OelEudK0sT
— WarMachine2013 (@WarMachine2013) March 9, 2024
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.
“When you look at shot geography, [Battle] is their guy who shoots the most efficient shots. A lot of their other guys shoot tough mid-range.”
— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) March 9, 2024
-Nate Oats when he previewed this game.
Arkansas currently leads 36-21 in the first half with 6:23 to go.
Razorbacks are shooting…
Arkansas’ shot making plummeted during the second half. The Razorbacks finished 45% from the field and only 4-of-20 from three.
Nate Oats cringing every time Tramon Mark buries a contested mid-range on one of his guys.
— Curtis Wilkerson (@CurtWilkerson_) March 9, 2024
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.
Every single time I see Bama take a shot, as it's in the air I think....good lord that's a bad shot
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) March 9, 2024
And right after it swishes, I just realize that's just their style of basketball & Nate Oats knows more about the game in his pinky than I'll ever know.
Great game Ark vs Bama
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.
Bama and Arkansas game just smells like overtime right now
— Jake “JBOY” Crain (@JakeCrain_) March 9, 2024
An epic missed foul on a dunk attempt by Makhi Mitchell resulted in a game tying three by Alabama‘s Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
Last seconds of OT, and refs blowing call on Mitchell being fouled late in regulation. 🤬 Onward to the #SEC tournament…🐗🏀🏟️🤷🏼♂️ #Arkansas #Razorbacks #Hawgs #WPS #MussBus pic.twitter.com/jgks6tbkb7
— Scott Maier (@samaier) March 9, 2024
Mitchell’s mother also thought the close of regulation warranted a foul.
Bamma cheated on so many levels 😤
— Ark Boys Mom 🏀💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 (@MMitchell4590) March 9, 2024
HOW IS THAT NOT A FOUL?!
— Tristan Sisco (@SiscoTristan) March 9, 2024
Mitchell was fouled as plain as day....no call.
— MadMemaw (@MadMemaw61) March 9, 2024
Of course, the game went to overtime. Pain settled in for Arkansas after a hotly contested battle.
No such thing as free basketball. Someone always pays
— Tyler Cass (@TVTylerCass) March 9, 2024
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.
Layups by Estrada and Sears put Alabama ahead 84-80 with 1:38 left in OT.
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) March 9, 2024
Got away from the PnR and opted for 1 on 1 ball…
— pinto (@pinto479) March 9, 2024
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.
Mark sits for 10 minutes and we go to him for offense in OT. Make it make sense.
— Ben Brandon (@BenBrandonHoops) March 9, 2024
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.
HOGS FEED:
• Hogs chance for upset of Alabama falls just short
• Razorbacks' Peyton Stovall returning to lineup against McNeese State
• Pittman, Petrino move quick to replace departed assistant
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