Sports

Hidden Camera Nabs BYU Hooper’s Celebration After Controversial Foul Sent Him To Basketball Purgatory

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BYU basketball player Dawson Baker runs on the court.

© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images


They BYU basketball team picked up a huge NCAA Tournament win on Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16. The Cougars knocked off third-seeded Wisconsin to move on in the postseason field.

They were forced to finish the contest without the services of a star player. Dawson Baker was ejected late in the action following a controversial call.

Baker played an integral role coming off the bench against the Badgers. In 17 minutes of action, he tallied eight points, two dimes, and two board on 60% shooting. The junior was on the floor in crucial moments for the Cougars as they looked to fend off one last Wisconsin run.

BYU led by 10 points with under four minutes remaining in play. Dawson Baker hoped to add to that lead and help his team move on in the Big Dance. Instead, he was kicked out of the game.

Baker inadvertently elbowed a Wisconsin defender below the belt while trying to split a double team. The low blow was enough for officials to rule a flagrant foul.

Controversy followed as viewers disagreed with the severity of the call. Many believed Baker should’ve been allowed to remain in the contest.

Head coach Kevin Young said he needed “an in-depth explanation” on the call after the fact. He stopped shy of criticizing referees, but clearly felt the foul wasn’t ejection-worthy.

Dawson Baker was forced to watch the remainder of the action from the locker room. Hidden cameras caught his wholesome reaction to seeing his team come out victorious.

The Cougars set up those cameras to capture a postgame celebration. Instead, they caught some unexpected footage.

Baker watched along as BYU nearly blew that double digit lead. Wisconsin outscored the Cougars 11-2 in the final 2:34 of play. Still, they emerged victorious, 91-89. Baker was going through all the emotions while being forced to watch from his basketball purgatory.

With the win, BYU booked a Sweet 16 ticket. The Cougars will face the winner of Alabama and St. Mary’s next.