© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Let’s face it, the Pitt Panthers almost certainly weren’t heading to the Big Dance this year after stumbling in conference play in a weak ACC this year. But, hope springs eternal during conference tournament weekend, as a tournament title gets you into the field of 68.
But, Pitt’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament were robbed by an egregious call with less than one second left on the clock. That call gave Notre Dame two foul shots and a 55-54 win.
Pitt and Notre Dame matched up as the 12th and 13th-seeded teams in Charlotte in the first-round of the ACC Tournament. It wasn’t the prettiest game, for sure. Both teams shot under 40% from the field, which isn’t all that unexpected given that it’s a neutral site gym. That poor shooting led us to a c lose game in the final seconds, and Notre Dame had the ball and a chance to win the game at the buzzer. But, the ending to the game was marred by a terrible call. Take a look.
The call at the end of Pitt – Notre Dame
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero.bsky.social) March 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Syracuse legend Jim Boeheim was incredulous at the call, and for good reason. Zak Austin did not foul Tae Davis on that play. It’s simply not a foul. And, it ended Pitt’s season, as Davis made the first foul shot and correctly missed the second one on purpose so that Pitt couldn’t advance the ball on an inbounds pass and maybe get a decent look at a game-winner.
Listen, Pitt made their own bed here due to a poor season that saw them go just 17-15 and 8-12 in conference play after a solid start. But, they did not deserve to have their season end on a terrible call. The game should’ve gone to overtime, and then whatever happens happens.
Notre Dame advances to play North Carolina in a must-win game for both teams tomorrow afternoon.