Getty Image / Daryl Oumi
Sometimes while watching college sports, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, they are just kids. The end of the men’s college basketball game between UMass and George Mason is a stark reminder of that fact.
The two teams played an absolute classic in an Atlantic 10 tilt on Saturday in Amherst, home of UMass. It’s actually a shame the game will be marred by a complete mental collapse by George Mason.
Let’s fast-forward to the final fifteen seconds. George Mason trails 65-63 with a chance to tie or take the lead. Then, absolute chaos ensues. To be honest, chaos might not be a strong enough word to describe it. Take a look.
OH NO MASON pic.twitter.com/cYcMMQVmIX
— A10 Talk (@A10Talk) February 3, 2024
What chaos. After Ronald Polite II tracked down the loose ball for the Patriots, Baraka Okojie did an excellent job of immediately attacking the cup and finishing. But, you’ve got to know the time and score at all times, and George Mason’s Keyshawn Hall sadly forgot the score when he fouled Rahsool Douglas with the game tied. Instead of having to make a desperation 70-foot shot, all Douglas needed to do was hit one of two foul shots, as UMass was in the double bonus.
This has to be one of the wildest endings to a college basketball game this year. It was a pretty big game in the A-10 standings, too, as both of these teams were in the middle of the pack. While neither is a likely tournament team unless they win the conference tournament, other postseason opportunities could be available to them.
UMass improves to 14-7 (5-4) while George Mason falls to 15-7 (4-5).