Jeffrey Anderson, perhaps known best as ‘High Knees Ref,’ is the most well-known official in college basketball. He accidentally played extremely tough defense against Oregon State during a crucial moment of its upset win over Gonzaga on Thursday night.
The awkward interruption was almost a complete and total disaster!
Five different players finished with double-digit scoring totals for the Beavers during an eight-point home victory over the No. 16-ranked Bulldogs. They shot an astonishing 58.5% from the field and more than 40% from beyond the arc. However, it was their defense down the stretch that ultimately proved to be the difference.
Oregon State forced two more turnovers than Gonzaga and a crucial steal during overtime essentially sealed the deal. The Beavers scored to go up by four points but the Bulldogs were sloppy on the inbound play from the baseline. Sophomore guard Josiah Lake stepped in front of a lazy pass to swipe the ball away.
Although he forced a turnover, he also trapped himself in the corner while his team hustled back from the other end. Meanwhile, Anderson ran up the floor in the exact spot where Lake came up with possession.
It was not intentional. Anderson threw up his hands and tried his best to get out of the way which nearly caused Lake to immediately turn the ball back over. He was accidentally playing really tough defense right in the corner.
The famous college basketball official’s awkward positioning turned him into a free defender for Gonzaga. They swarmed to the ball and tried to work Anderson into their three-man trap.
— No Context College Basketball (@ContextFreeCBB) January 17, 2025
Fortunately, Oregon State was able to keep possession so it was not that big of a deal in the end. Jeffrey Anderson and his legendary high knees did not impact the final outcome. The Beavers went on to win 97-89!