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The Marquette basketball team’s season ended on Sunday with a loss to Michigan State. The Golden Eagles fell in the round of 32 as they’ll now watch the rest of the NCAA Tournament from home.
The matchup was close throughout with the two foes trading blows deep into the second half of action. After falling behind by double digits early, Marquette battled back to take a 42-40 lead with just 12 minutes remaining in play.
They’d stay neck and neck up through the final moments, with the Golden Eagles trailing 60-55 in the last three minutes. That’s when a controversial no-call occurred, and it has Marquette fans talking.
With the team looking to cut the lead to just a bucket, guard Tyler Kolek drove to the hoop. He appeared to have an easy lay in before a Michigan State defender closed the gap.
SWATTED ❌ @MSU_Basketball pic.twitter.com/oeoxlveAwl
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 19, 2023
The Spartan pinned the ball against the backboard, resulting in a blocked shot and ensuing Michigan State runout. Many on the Marquette side, however, believe a goaltend should have been called.
You be the judge.
There was no goaltending called. Did the officials get it right?🏀 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Z9mqXO7YUz
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 19, 2023
Social media immediately erupted in debate. It seems that everyone is at odds on whether or not the call was the correct one.
Yup. Clean block. They got it right!
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 19, 2023
Did the ball hit the backboard first, or was there simultaneous contact between the hand and the glass?
Am I losing my mind or is that very clearly goaltending on the Kolek layup attempt? Seems pretty clear that it hit the backboard first?
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 19, 2023
It’s definitely tough to tell. Unfortunately, since the referees didn’t call a goaltend on the original play, they were unable to go back for a second look.
So when they don’t call a goaltend, it can’t be reviewed. But when they do call a goaltender, it can be reviewed. Awesome rule, college basketball.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 19, 2023
Marquette head coach Shaka Smart was visibly upset after the play as he believed his team should’ve had two more points on the scoreboard.
Shaka Smart wasn’t happy with that missed goaltend 😅
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) March 19, 2023
Even those around Michigan State think they might’ve gotten away with one.
May have gotten away with one there on that block/goaltend
— Daily MSU (@daily_msu) March 19, 2023
As it stands, the call stood as a block. Michigan State would score on the ensuing possession to extend the lead to seven points, which Marquette couldn’t overcome. The Spartans escaped with a 69-60 win to advance to the Sweet 16.