I released a single late phone selection on Wednesday night in college basketball; Arizona + 2 ½. Here’s the write-up I sent to my clients.
“This series was once dominated by Arizona. But things changed last year when Arizona St swept the two games. Both games came down to the final few possessions as the Sun Devils won both by 5 points with one going into overtime. We used Arizona St in their upset win at UCLA on Saturday; a game they were pointing towards. They played flawless in that game, but tonight the tide is turned. Arizona has had this game circled since losing on their home floor last year, and off back-2-back road losses we expect the Cats to have a peak performance here. Arizona holds a nice advantage inside with Jordan Hill, and he should supply some easy points in the paint. This is one important game for Arizona if they want to get at-large consideration for the NCAA tournament. While Arizona St may be fat and happy off the upset win, Arizona is a dangerous and desperate home dog. Play Arizona plus the points.”
I didn’t watch much of this game. I turned it on and Arizona was leading 37-33 with about 4:30 left to play. I had anticipated a close game throughout; a game that was likely going to be decided in the last few possessions. I changed the channel figuring I’d catch the last minute or so. When I tuned back in, Arizona St now held a 43-40 lead with a 1:30 to go.
Before I get to the outcome, let me just relay Arizona St’s box score numbers for the game. The Sun Devils shot 28.1% (16-57) from the floor and 17.9% (5-28) from three-point land. You’d expect a road favorite with numbers like that to have little, to no chance at winning, let alone cover the spread.
But…when their opponent shoots 29.2% (14-48) and 12.5% (2-16) from behind the arc, maybe so.
Here’s how the game ended. Arizona St led 47-45 with 17.7 seconds to play. Arizona’s ball coming out of a timeout. With 12.5 seconds left, one of the worst calls I’ve even seen decided the game. Arizona ran a perfect pick-n-roll which would have resulted in an easy bucket, but the ref called an offensive foul. For what, I still have no idea. And that was shared by the commentators, the Arizona bench, and the crowd.
Wait. Another whistle. This one for a technical on an Arizona assistant coach. Arizona St now gets two free throws and the ball. Game over. Arizona St 53, Arizona 47. Ticket ripped up.
Way to decide the game, ref. Aren’t the players the ones to decide the outcome? Swallow the whistle buddy.
An Arizona fan held a sign that read: “I’m deaf. I’m blind. I must be a ref.”
Games should be decided on the court, not by a ref’s whistle, period!
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