Arkansas shakeup: Arkansas Razorbacks football HC Sam Pittman reacts to Arkansas Razorbacks women’s basketball loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, according to him…

Arkansas Razorbacks football HC Sam Pittman reacts to Arkansas Razorbacks women’s basketball lost over Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball, according to him…

In a recent press conference, following a series of losses, Coach Pittman addressed the football team’s struggles, stating, “Our kids weren’t as motivated to play as what I have seen in the past.” He further emphasized, “We’ve lost our spirit, and there’s a lot to be said about that.”

Regarding the women’s basketball team’s performance, the Razorbacks faced a significant defeat against the No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners on February 23, 2025, with a final score of 94-54. Despite a strong effort from guard Izzy Higginbottom, who scored 22 points, the team struggled to contain Oklahoma’s Raegan Beers, who matched her career-high with 30 points. The loss marked the Razorbacks’ sixth consecutive defeat and their tenth in the last eleven games.

Head coach Mike Neighbors of the women’s basketball team has been vocal about the team’s defensive challenges throughout the season. Following a previous loss to Oral Roberts, he commented, “We got punched right in the mouth real quick. We’ve been pretty good in the past at recovering from that, but there was no recovery tonight.” ​

While Coach Pittman has not publicly commented on the women’s basketball team’s recent performance, it’s evident that both programs are navigating their respective challenges this season. The football team is striving to regain its motivation and spirit, as highlighted by Coach Pittman, while the women’s basketball team is focusing on addressing defensive shortcomings to improve future outcomes.​

In collegiate athletics, it’s common for coaches to concentrate on their specific programs, especially during periods of adversity. While mutual support exists within the athletic department, public comments on other teams’ performances are typically limited unless there’s a direct connection or collaborative event. As both the football and women’s basketball teams work through their respective challenges, the emphasis remains on internal assessment and improvement to achieve better results in upcoming games.