Eric Musselman declines to discuss officiating in Missouri loss

The biggest story last night for Arkansas should have been their fifth loss in six games against Missouri in Columbia. However, plenty of people picked up on another narrative with the role the officials played in the game.

Still, during his postgame press conference, Eric Musselman nipped that in the bud with some very brief answers on the officiating when asked. At the end of the day, the Razorbacks will send in any footage they believe needs to be reviewed but, beyond that, his focus was on the outcome rather than any hint that the referees played a role in it.

“You (all) know I can’t talk about the officials. We send stuff in and we’re kind of tired of talking about it,” said Musselman. “I give Missouri credit. They beat us.”

It was more than just those who follow the Razorbacks and Tigers that noticed this trend in Mizzou Arena on Wednesday night. Overall, 56 fouls were called in the game with Arkansas taking the majority of those whistles with 33. Four Razorbacks fouled out over the course of the game, including three starters. That eventually led to 40 free throw attempts on the night by Missouri.

With that said, Musselman continued to deflect any questions about officiating following the loss. With frustration mounting in Fayetteville with Arkansas having lost four straight, Musselman is more worried about correcting what’s going on with his team rather than what’s going on with the SEC’s officiating crews.

“I’m not gonna comment on the officials,” Musselman said. “Again, it’s our responsibility to send clips in that we think are worthy.”

“Look, Missouri beat us and that’s what happened tonight,” said Musselman.

WATCH: Anthony Black throws down monster dunk in Arkansas-Missouri game

Arkansas and Missouri are locked in a tight contest, with only one point separating the two at halftime and the second half providing more of the same. A monster dunk by Anthony Black in the second half gave Arkansas the lead once more.

It also silenced the home crowd quite a bit.

Black raced forward in the open floor, received a dish from a teammate and sent it thundering home on the finish to put Arkansas up 49-47. Check out the highlight-reel dunk below.

Anthony Black, best freshman in D1@RazorbackMBB | #WPS 🐗🏀pic.twitter.com/YRwWsAtlan

— Collin Wilson (@_Collin1) January 19, 2023