Eric Musselman goes off on officials, gets ejected vs. Oklahoma

Arkansas coach Eric Musselman has been ejected from Saturday’s game against Oklahoma after an altercation with officials. Just as the game was about to be sent to the under-16 media timeout in the second half, the Razorbacks coach became irate on the sidelines.

Musselman attempted to go after officials as players and other members of the coaching staff had to hold him back. The coach appeared to be angry that Sooners players were taunting the Arkansas bench. Sooners guard Rivaldo Soares was also assessed a technical foul as a result of the sequence.

You can view the moment below.

Eric Musselman was NOT happy. pic.twitter.com/xPje91HIfg

— Mason Choate (@ChoateMason) December 9, 2023

This isn’t the first time that Eric Musselman has been ejected while facing Oklahoma. He was also tossed out of a 2021 matchup against the Sooners that OU went on to win 88-66.

Oklahoma appears well on its way to a similar result in this year’s contest, leading 57-42 with 11:45 remaining. It’s been a wild game so far with four total technical fouls called, three of which have come against the Sooners.

Razorbacks assistant Keith Smart will take over as acting head coach with Musselman out of the game. He brings experience as a former NBA head coach, serving stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. He was also an assistant in the NBA for several seasons.

Perhaps Musselman’s ejection can light a fire under Arkansas as it attempts to mount a comeback. As for the Sooners, they will look to close things out and remain unbeaten to improve to 9-0 early in the year.

Oklahoma hangs on to defeat Arkansas following Eric Musselman ejection

Ultimately, Arkansas was unable to turn things around following Musselman’s ejection and went on to fall 79-70 to the Sooners. OU guard Javian McCollum led all scorers with 20 points in addition to five rebounds and four assists.

McCollum is now averaging 18 points over the past four games as the Sooners continue to climb up the poll. Soares also chipped in 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds off the bench.

OU jumped out to an early 37-25 lead by halftime after limiting the Razorbacks to just 29.6% shooting in the first half. Arkansas shot just 22.2% from 3-point range for the entire game as Khalif Battle led the team with 13 points.

Musselman was asked about his ejection postgame, but refused to comment on the officiating. The Razorbacks will aim to bounce back when they next face Lipscomb on Dec. 16.