The biggest stage in College basketball, the Final Four, has had some pretty controversial/wild finishes in its history. Chris Webber calling a timeout Michigan didn’t have against North Carolina, Mario Chalmers hitting a buzzer-beater to tie the game against Memphis, and Aaron Harrison’s 3-pointer to beat Wisconsin are some of the dramatic moments that come to mind. But, last night was dramatic in a different way.
Virginia’s Ty Jerome hit a three with 5:20 left in the 2nd half, giving the Cavaliers a 10-point advantage and it looked like they would cruise to victory from there. That didn’t happen. Back-to-back threes from Bryce Brown cut the Virginia lead to just three points with 3:20 left. Danjel Purifoy drove to the basket for a layup, then Brown hit another clutch three-pointer to give the Tigers a 59-57 lead.
Then Chaos ensued. Anfernee McLemore hit two free throws, giving Auburn a four-point lead with 17 seconds left. Then, Kyle Guy hit a corner three-ball with 6.8 seconds left, cutting the Auburn lead to 1. Jared Harper was fouled, hit 1/2 free throws, and Virginia had a chance to tie or take the lead.
Coming down the court, Virginia’s Ty Jerome dribbled the ball off his foot, picked the ball back up, and dribbled again. An obvious double-dribble that the referees missed. But, before this, there is a jersey pull by Bryce Brown, which was not called either. Looking back at the replay, the jersey pull didn’t effect Jerome’s dribble and it wasn’t really even a foul. Good no call.
Look at the replay and see for yourself:
The Tigers had fouls to give, so Virginia didn’t go to the line for two free throws, which maybe would’ve been a better result for Auburn fans than what would happen next.
Virginia calls a timeout and Tony Bennett sets up a play. The ball comes to Kyle Guy in the corner, he shoots a three for the win that misses, but a whistle is blown right as the ball hits the rim, “did I hear a whistle?” Jim Nantz says. A foul on a 3-point shot by Samir Doughty. Yikes.
Looking back at the play, as much as I hate to see a game end that way, it was the right call. Doughty came into Guys air-space and bumped him. Guy, who openly struggles with anxiety and after the game admitted to being terrified at the line, clutched up and sank three huge free throws. Auburn, with .6 seconds left, needed a miracle. It didn’t happen and Virginia won the game.
Here’s the call that gave Virginia the win:
This has to be one of the most heartbreaking losses in college basketball, especially for Auburn with it being their first Final Four in program history.
I have no problem with the call. I do have a problem with the missed double-dribble though. You cannot miss that. Virginia shouldn’t have even had the ball and Auburn should’ve been in the title game.
This blown call continues what has been a horrible season for college basketball officiating. It has been bad for a while, but nothing compared to this year. I know the NCAA won’t do anything, but it has to be embarrassed at the job it’s officials have done this year.
Tomorrow, two teams who have never played in a national championship game will square with a championship at stake. Be prepared for nervous basketball and a very low scoring game.
Let me know who wins because I will not be watching.
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