Eric Musselman on frustration with officials, Mike Woodson: 'I have no comment on that guy'

Indiana defended home court against USC on Wednesday evening, defeating the Trojans 82-69. After the game went final, the two head coaches of each program were involved in a tense moment in the handshake line.

USC head coach Eric Musselman reportedly failed to acknowledge Indiana head coach Mike Woodson during the handshake line, which serves as a postgame display of sportsmanship. The blow-by led to Musselman giving his remarks on the moment following the game.

“I got no comment on that guy,” Musselman said postgame, referring to his frustration with Woodson and the officiating during the matchup.

It’s unclear exactly what cause the incident to occur, but Musselman’s emotions were on display throughout the contest. At one point during the game, Musselman dropped to his hands and knees reacting to an Indiana offensive rebound, showing his frustration with his team’s performance. He wasn’t shy about letting his feels known toward the officials throughout the matchup as well.

USC was ultimately called for 20 personal fouls throughout the night compared to 13 by the Hoosiers and his team was out-rebounded 40-33 including 11-7 on the offensive glass. USC led by as many as 10 points during the contest and eventually trailed by as many as 13 as they were outscored 44-31 in the second half.

Indiana finished the game with four players scoring in double figures during the contest, including a 23-point performance from 7-foot senior Oumar Ballo.

“We want to win games, obviously,” Musselman said postgame. “I’m pretty sure that anyone who watches us will say that we compete when we go through some offensive dry spells that have hurt us. We thought we had an opportunity to beat Oregon and Michigan. … I realize by job is to win basketball games and to get our guys to compete.

“Super frustrated with injuries. Super frustrated that we’re within striking distance. We’re 4-5 possessions away. As long as our guys are competing and we’re developing guys, I’m no so sure what else we can do.”

The loss dropped the Trojans to 9-6 on the season and 0-2 to start Big Ten Conference action. They will look to turn their fortune around on the road against a ranked Illinois team that is 7-1 at home and has won its last five games.