Butler fouls! Pitt fouls! Weirdest NCAA ending ever? Yep
OK, you’re asking: Have I ever seen anything like the end of Pitt-Butler? And the answer is:
No, because nobody has ever seen anything like it.
The silliest foul in the history of the Big Dance followed by an even sillier one. An absolutely great game that had an ending to make even the winning coach feel sheepish. And here’s the weirdest part: The refs weren’t wrong either time. Both the goofball fouls — first Shelvin Mack’s, committed 45 feet from the goal, and then Nasir Robinson’s, committed 90 feet from the other goal — were fouls.
If it was unfortunate that such a game was decided by back-and-forth lapses of sense, it nonetheless proves yet again that the NCAA tournament cannot be handicapped or scripted. You can’t write stuff like this. Butler is the most resourceful team in the land and possibly the best-coached, and it messed up. Then Pitt messed up worse. Amazing. But not really.
Because that’s the thing about the Big Dance: These guys aren’t pros, and many of them will never be. They’re amateurs trying really hard with millions of us watching. The wonder isn’t that these guys sometimes have brain blips; the wonder is that they manage to function as well under pressure as they do.
That said: Is Butler amazing? Is Brad Stevens the best? (Actually, no. Krzyzewski is. But Stevens might be second-best.) And did I not warn you against picking Pitt because this proud team invents ways to lose in March?
Great tournament. Great game. Wildest ending ever. Wilder even than Michigan beating Western Kentucky in 1966 on a foul on a jump ball. (Ref Steve Honzo said Western’s Greg Smith jumped into the All-American Cazzie Russell on a toss with 11 seconds left, and Russell made the tying and winning free throws.) I never thought that ending could be topped for sheer lunacy. Wrong again.
(Speaking of which: Here, courtesy of YouTube, are the final few minutes of that game from 45 years ago. The jump ball comes at the 8:51 mark. Judge for yourself.
(As for the principals: Russell would become a famous sixth man with the championship-winning New York Knicks, Smith a starting forward for the championship-winning Milwaukee Bucks. And the Hilltopper who misses the free throw ahead of the jump ball is Wayne Chapman, who would have a son named Rex.)
By Mark Bradley
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118 comments Add your comment
JacketLady
March 20th, 2011
11:24 am
I guess the majority of bloggers don’t actually read anything, they just troll the blogs to criticize everyone else. Mitzymy is right, Stevens signed a 12 year contract and isn’t interested in going anywhere else. Family in the area etc.. …great coach but without the ego many coaches have. TEch needs someone with the philosophy of Stevens, back to fundamentals which Tech desperately needs. Mark Price would probably fill that bill. Stevens was in businessman just a few years ago with virtually no coaching experience, just a deep appreciation and love for the game.
Calvin
March 20th, 2011
11:36 am
Refreshing to see refs actually call fouls, instead of ignoring them, during the last few seconds of a game.
Buzzzed
March 20th, 2011
11:55 am
The ACC refs do love to make non-existent foul calls against Duke’s opponents. I’d love to see the flop drills the Duke coaches run in practice. Coack K is still a great coach, but he would not have quite so many ACC championships without the ACC refs/NC good ole boys running the ACC. We need to go independent in basketball but it is hard now since ESPN has a bball contact with the ACC and we get a chuck of change from that.
OldTimer
March 20th, 2011
12:01 pm
The referees are the game.
Steve
March 20th, 2011
12:26 pm
Weirdest ending ever … maybe. Perfect example of the state of basketball today .. definitely.
Sorry, but as the game tilts more and more to the ‘athletic over intelligence’ side, them more idiotic finishes like this you will see. The Fab Five started the slow downfall of intelligent, team basketball. The trend continues to worsen.
The current state of basketball is really tough on the eyes. The dunks are fun to watch. The crazy 1 on 3 spinning challenges that actually result in a made basket once or twice a game are fun to watch. The absolute isiocy and lack of disclipline that pervades the other 90% of each and every game are not fun to watch. This is a perfect example. This shouldn’t have even needed to be coached. I can’t begin to blame the coach for this, because this is thestate of basketball today. Absolutely horrendous.
Old Fashioned
March 20th, 2011
12:27 pm
I’m glad the refs called those actual fouls. Now if they enforced the rules against traveling and palming the ball we’d probably see much more and much better passing and ball movement,and team play! But wait,that would eliminate the chances for making millions and being jiving superstars of THE GREAT ATLANTA CELTICS!
TURD FERGUSON
March 20th, 2011
12:36 pm
GO BIG BLUE!!! sorry Dawgs,you suck and Bradley, you are worse than Hullinger.
gtne80
March 20th, 2011
1:00 pm
FJR – I hear you and you make a valid counterpoint. I don’t want to see a wrestling match.
Neither of the fouls that were called at the end of the Pitt-Butler game fell into that category. Actually, if neither was called, Butler probably wins the game anyway. The call against Pitt was technically the correct call, but in actuality there was no way that Butler was getting that ball up-court in time for any sort of shot without the foul call.
My overall point still is that sports, not just basketball, are becoming dominated by game officials. This is partially the fault of fans watching 24 hours of sports from every angle and with the benefit of super slow motion. We dissect the calls and no-calls to the point where the refs/umps have to eagle-eye everything to protect themselves. I still maintain that the overall result makes the games less enjoyable.
Jackets 2011
March 20th, 2011
1:07 pm
Only 2 fouls on UNC in a half?
Maybe Hewitt fan isn’t totally crazy.
Thought the foul called on Washington with 47 seconds left was a call on Zeller.
Reminds me of the Clemson/UNC game in ACC tourney.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 20th, 2011
1:13 pm
what an ending…too bad it cost me a team in the final four…ok as long as duke/kansas stay in the mix
D man
March 20th, 2011
1:16 pm
Can someone explain how Georgia got in the tournament and Alabama didn’t? I’m a Georgia fan but don’t understand what happened to Bama…
Jackets 2011
March 20th, 2011
1:34 pm
The NCAA committee chooses teams: Heads in, tails out.
That explain it.
Jackets 2011
March 20th, 2011
1:38 pm
I thought Virginia Tech ought to get in after beating Duke and winning 2 ACC tourney games. Plus it’s Malcoln Delaney last shot.
He’s a very good player who has been relagated to NIT for 4 years in a row.
I’m not even a VT fan.
Can’t stand their coach.
Maybe the committee members don’t like him either but the player should not get punished too.
Jackets 2011
March 20th, 2011
1:39 pm
Huskies/Dawgs could have been a much better game if both teams had gotten over their first game gitters.
Some players on each team did but not all.
Jackets 2011
March 20th, 2011
1:42 pm
To be more logical, I guess RPI rules the decision-making process.
Dodge tough games in the preseason and you aren’t likely to get in.
That was the knock on both Bama and VT.
Maybe Colorado too.
Jackets 2011
March 20th, 2011
1:52 pm
BTW the two silly fouls canceled each other out and the game ended the way it should have before the lunacy took over.
Hewitt Fan's top 10 list of bizarre statements...
March 20th, 2011
2:20 pm
10. He is financially set for life (comment – “who cares”)
9. He “knows people who know people” so he is the ultimate insider
8. Gary Williams has a losing record in the ACC
7. The ATLANTA CELTICS determine which college teams are good
6. Derrick Favors wanted to come back for his SO year (nevermind the $4MM a year contract)
5. Duke always wins the ACC regular season (never mind that UNC won it in 2011 or MD in 2010)
4. Kyrie Irving is not a good player
3. Mike Krzyzewski is not a good coach and has had everything handed to him by the refs (comment – 899 times???)
2. Paul Hewitt is a great coach
1. Everything I post is true
wildbill
March 20th, 2011
2:58 pm
I’m glad Carolina beat the basketBRAWLERS from Washington. Washington thought they could bull their way and win. NOT!
Buzz 2010
March 20th, 2011
3:20 pm
I thought the Dawgs were dancing? Guess they did a couple of steps and done.
Back to the mighty SEC basement go the Dawgs as Tree Thompson gone & probably
Lesley..You had your one year and now time to sleep the Dog..
Too bad they couldn’t just play 20 minute games..
ACC will stay at the top again..
DawgVoiceofReason
March 20th, 2011
3:30 pm
I haven’t yet seen the Pitt – Butler game but I watched the video of the 1966 WKU – Michigan game. While unusual, I hope Mark isn’t implying that the call was wrong or shouldn’t have been made. The replays clearly showed that the player who won the jump ball fouled his opponent by jumping into and blocking him. Great call by the Ref of that time. I look forward to seeing the calls made in the current game.
Tallahasse Jacket
March 20th, 2011
3:38 pm
the 2 plays by Henson at the end of today’s game were just as silly. especially the goal tending. I don’t care if it wasn’t a 3 – what was he thinking???
Jackets 2011
March 20th, 2011
3:48 pm
Is Mark Bradley rallying from 5461st place?
Maybe into the top 5000.
Ben
March 20th, 2011
3:51 pm
If either of those plays were legitimate fouls, then the basketball rule book as completely lost all credibility. They may have been the correct call by the letter of the law, but a referee cannot make those calls. By making those two calls, the referee turns himself into the primary reason either team wins/loses and that is the cardinal sin of refereeing. I agree that a foul is a foul regardless of the game clock, but the referee completely negated 59 minutes and 58 seconds of basketball by taking the game out of the players’ hands and putting it in his own. It’s a travesty that a 60 minute games comes down to the whim of a person who isn’t even playing in it.
Delta Stewardess
March 20th, 2011
3:53 pm
FOR FUN how about stopping the clock when a basket is made, the ball bounces around FREE until the Ref or another player hits the ball to the inbounding team. There are seconds lost every game from made baskets until the ball is back in play.
DawgVoiceofReason
March 20th, 2011
4:14 pm
For those who want to ignore the rules and fouls at the end of the game, what do you think would happen it that were to be done on a regular basis or be made official? If you did that, what fouls would count and which would not? How much time would be left in the game when this happens? Two minutes, three minutes, maybe 30 seconds?
DawgVoiceofReason
March 20th, 2011
4:17 pm
D Man,
It apparently came down to RPI ranking. Georgia’s was much better than Alabama’s.
Mid Town
March 20th, 2011
4:25 pm
Mark,
Nothing weird, just two dumb plays made by two players with no self composure, understanding of game.
You could see this happen on any play ground on any day.
Coaches, players, fans put no importance on score and time. Only thing that matters is self gratification
of a single play.
It will happen again and almost did in the NC/Washington game.
5150 UOAD
March 20th, 2011
4:27 pm
The DAWGS are gone and NOBODY (Dawg Lovers and Haters) wants to post. SEE DAWG fans if you don’t run your stupid mouths about crap then the Blogs stop. PLEASE MUT fans run your mouths about how great UGA is so the blog will get Bradley some more hits.
5150 UOAD
March 20th, 2011
4:29 pm
DawgVoiceofReason
March 20th, 2011
4:17 pm
D Man,
It apparently came down to RPI ranking. Georgia’s was much better than Alabama’s.
the dawgs were 10-10 in their last 20 games. WE didn’t deserve to be in the DANCE.
Delta Stewardess
March 20th, 2011
4:36 pm
No crazy stupid DAWGS making comments and the BLOG dies. Mark Bradley ain’t selling advertising to good with this blog.
MARK BRADLEY say something bad about RICHT or how A. Murray can’t win a game that matters and you will get the CRAZY Dawg Fans back on the blog real fast.
Skeezix
March 20th, 2011
5:51 pm
It was a quirky ending but a great game and I thought Butler played their butts off. Butler is one well coached team (Pitt is too, it just wasn’t their day).
Bammer Jammer
March 20th, 2011
8:21 pm
Alabama’s Mark Barron arrestedEmail Print Comments255 Associated Press
MOBILE, Ala. — University of Alabama safety Mark Barron has been arrested on charges of hindering prosecution, a misdemeanor charge.
SEC blog
ESPN.com’s Chris Low writes about all things SEC in his conference blog.
• Blog network:
College Football Nation
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday on its website that Barron was booked on the charge. His bond was listed at $500.
No additional details were available, and it could not immediately be determined if Barron had an attorney.
The arrest comes as the football team is set to begin spring practice Monday.
Barron led the team with 75 tackles last season. He has been rehabilitating from a torn pectoral muscle he suffered in November.
Hoosier Aaron
March 20th, 2011
8:52 pm
Just for the record, Matt Howard (Butler via Connersville, Indiana) is a two-time First Team Academic All-American with a 3.77 GPA – Finance.
Gordon Hayward, best player on Butler last year & first round pick of the Utah Jazz had a 3.31 GPA – Computer Engineering (3rd Team Academic All-American) – (From Brownsburg, Indiana).
Another tidbit – Thad Matta, Head Coach of Ohio State, was the Head Coach at Butler (his alma mater) before coaching at Xavier and OSU.
Another tidbit of information: Tyler Zeller from Washington, Indiana (UNC Tarheels) is also a First Team Academic All-American – 3.56 GPA Business Administration.
Zeller has nothing to do with Butler but he is from Southern Indiana as is Howard..proving what I’ve always said – kids from Southern Indiana are the best combination of basketball and brains in the nation.
Just kiddin’ on that part…but the facts are the facts.
Butler marches on!
Bammer Jammer
March 20th, 2011
9:01 pm
Janoris Jenkins pleads to drug chargeEmail Print Comments117 Associated Press
SEC blog
ESPN.com’s Chris Low writes about all things SEC in his conference blog.
• Blog network:
College Football Nation
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins has accepted a plea deal on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge.
The State Attorney’s Office agreed to withhold adjudication and ordered Jenkins to pay $316 in various court costs and fines Friday.
Jenkins, considered one of the top cornerbacks in the Southeastern Conference, was arrested in a Gainesville nightclub in January. Gainesville Police officers said they spotted Jenkins in a public bathroom rolling a marijuana cigarette. Jenkins was charged with possession of marijuana less than 20 grams. He was released after signing a notice to appear in court.
It was the football program’s first arrest under new coach Will Muschamp, who said he would handle the matter internally.
Old Fashioned
March 20th, 2011
9:16 pm
Maybe Butler is showing that one can be both a great basketball player and actually be literate! Wow! This is an eyeopener after looking at some of the thugs on other teams.
MS Bully
March 20th, 2011
10:06 pm
Where do these teams find such stupid players. North Carolina’s player goaltended the last shot against Washington and it wasn’t called. I know the shot was a 2-pointer but the stupid player didn’t know that.
kral
March 20th, 2011
10:07 pm
just like to..excuse me bloggers…but shultzie has wrote another one…disgusting…wonderlic…stoop low ajc housewife..cannot go there banned for life…again apologize…but that was crap at its highest level
kral
March 20th, 2011
10:19 pm
that delta stew at 4:36,, has obviously played football before…seems she has taken one to many hard hits…concussion I’m thinking..or maybe she frustrated…no frequent flyer-miles wink wink…oh sometimes you have to go low with people…wink…think about it ds if you read this…catch a train
kral
March 20th, 2011
11:08 pm
dang girl fixing to go to bed…southern euphanism ..oh heck you know what I mean…stupid UGA fans…better question your pharmiscist maybe UGA grad,,,,check out your lawyer…if you need one…maybe a UGA fan and…checck your doc…may have left GA med,,,school went to Agusta med schoool and now takes care of you maybe…maybe they are a stupid UGA fan
kral
March 20th, 2011
11:12 pm
do not get in to politickin…am a compremizer…believe smart mines should work together,,,for betterment of us all…but they…all included do not seem to get that
kral
March 20th, 2011
11:15 pm
dang that 11:05 was impresive
kral
March 20th, 2011
11:19 pm
passs out some peanuts…go through the safety precautions…and smile…you the girl nothing wrong with your carreer…just do not call out teachers inGA or ALA…until you walk a few days in their shoes
IL Jacket
March 20th, 2011
11:23 pm
ACC, ACC, ACC!!!!
kral
March 20th, 2011
11:41 pm
last word little darlin…you have a stressful job at times I am sure…you would have not lasted 2-weeks at mine I am also sure…keep feeling superior…look in the mirror every morning say it 5x,,it will keep boosting that laughfty self-esteem..and that is important for a person
Poll on coach K
March 20th, 2011
11:42 pm
People who think Coach K is a good coach
Every current and former Duke player
Every current and former UNC player
USA Basketball
USA Basketball Team (Wade, James, Melo, etc)
Atlantic Coast Sportswriters Association
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Mark Bradley
Dick Vitale
Dean Smith
Bobby Knight
Roy Williams
Gary Williams
Paul Hewitt
.
.
.
People who think Coach K is not a good coach
Hewitt Fan
kral
March 20th, 2011
11:51 pm
WAS on the FIRST tribunal in the state of GA…stepped in-between a student with a razor-blade and a preg teacher..believe it are not ..itch..could be ripley’s in ST AGUSTINE
Delta Stewardess
March 20th, 2011
11:52 pm
@kral
just post a full response that has a start and finish in paragraph form. Prove that you are smart enough to actually earn a paycheck as a teacher. I never called you a liar. I just called you TOO STUPID to be a College Graduate and a Teacher.
kral
March 20th, 2011
11:57 pm
Enter your comments here
JSS
March 20th, 2011
11:58 pm
I never thought anyone could make POAD’s and DAUUG’s little spats seem like Shakespeare In The Park; but Kral and DS have come close!
JSS
March 21st, 2011
12:00 am
Notre Dame, SMDH!!!