Swagger, Toughness Not on Hogs' Mind in Blowout Home Loss

The Hogs can't get out own way with blowout loss to South Carolina, losing four conference games by double digits this year.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After a rather uninspiring 77-64 loss to South Carolina, Arkansas has now lost a fourth game in SEC play ... and all have come by more than 10 points,. This was also the second blowout at home, falling 83-51 to Auburn to start the slide.

Coming off a thrilling end to the Texas A&M victory on Wednesday, the Razorbacks seemed disconnected once again on Saturday.  Each team the Razorbacks face seem to be well-tuned, full of chemistry and desire to play each night. Connectivity is something Eric Musselman preached to his team this week and hardly responded to against the Gamecocks.

"Their point guard, [Ta'Lon] Cooper, the transfer from Minnesota was phenomenal," Musselman said. "He had five assists. I thought their backup point guard Jacoby Wright came in and did a phenomenal job. South Carolina usually doesn't turn it over. We create 10 turnovers, which is something that's been missing with us. But offensively, you know just to not have any flow at all."

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Communication on the court has been another issue and it was severely off against South Carolina. Similar to the football team, this squad lacks fire and energy while playing games in one the most feared venues in college basketball. 

“It was obviously disappointing," Musselman said. "We’ve now had two home games where we’re not exhibiting the energy we need to.”

When it comes to connection, communication is a must, especially when rotating on defense. The Razorbacks gave up nine three-pointers on Saturday which was on par for what they have been giving up in SEC play. Musselman says the team practices the same drills now that they performed when leading the nation in three-point defense. At some point, may be the buy in for this team should start to be questioned along with their determination each day.

“It doesn’t matter if you play zone, man, trap," Musselman said. "The toughness and effort has to improve.”

Swagger was a word thrown around as Musselman challenged his group to play with confidence. At no point in the ball game was it felt, according to Cincinnati transfer Jeremiah Davenport. 

“We definitely didn’t have swagger today, Davenport said. "Lack of effort all around. Just wasn't our day today. We got to be better.

Arkansas Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman on sideline while Davonte Davis waits to go into game against South Carolina on Saturday at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark :: Andy Hodges / allHOGS Images

When he was asked about the lack of effort, Davenport had no answer. There is certainly concern for Musselman as he tries to figure out ways to motivate his team. A little constructive criticism, tough love may be what gets this team over the hump to play with more togetherness.

“I’m used to having really competitive groups that are super connected," Musselman said. "We have to try and help this group as much as we can going forward.”

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