Arkansas men’s basketball coach Eric Musselman flexed his muscles as he celebrated the team’s upset victory over the defending national champions Kansas Jayhawks.
The No. 8 Razorbacks outscored the Jayhawks 72-71 as Ricky Council IV made five free throws in the final seconds of the game. The 58-year-old coach jumped onto the press table, ripped off his red polo shirt and waved it above his head.
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Head coach Eric Musselman led Arkansas to a 72-71 win over Kansas. (AP Photo/Eric Olson)
Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman reacts after a second-round college basketball game against Kansas during the NCAA Tournament Saturday March 18, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The crowd in Des Moines, Iowa, went wild.
“This is such an incredible win for our program,” Musselman said. “I keep telling people that we are improving. Few teams can improve at this time of year. I have never been so proud of a team like tonight.”
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Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman reacts on the press table with his shirt on. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Arkansas knocked out No. 1 Gonzaga last year en route to an Elite Eight appearance. This time the team didn’t even lead for 2 minutes as they struggled in attack early and foul issues late. According to OptaSTATS, Arkansas became the first team to beat a No. 1 seed with three players at fault.
“I would love to lie and say I felt calm, but we only led for 1:43,” Council said after the game. “It has been as difficult and eventful a season as any I have ever been in.
“For these guys to be rewarded for persevering and being able to go to Las Vegas and compete with only 16 teams still standing… It’s really tough to make this tournament. It’s really tough to win a game in this tournament. It’s really hard to beat the defending champions, the No. 1 seeds. We did it.
The crowd in Des Moines, Iowa, went wild when the 58-year-old coach jumped onto the press table and ripped off his red polo shirt. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Arkansas, which beat Illinois in the Round of 16, awaits the winner of Saint Mary’s and UConn in the Sweet 16.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.