Getty Image / Kirk Irwin
- Terrell Owens attended to support his alma mater and was caught on video reacting to their loss
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The 13 seed Chattanooga Mocs took on 4 seed Illinois in the first round of the NCAA Tournament today. As they chased a potential upset, their most famous alumnus was present at the game.
Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Mocs wide receiver, track star, and basketball player Terrell Owens was in the crowd for the game.
The game itself was an absolute battle. Chattanooga had the early advantage, and built a lead as big as 14 in the first half. Illinois battled back though and cut the lead to 4 by halftime.
The second half followed a similar script with Chattanooga having the early advantage and once again building a double digit lead. Illinois would once again methodically whittle it down until they took their first lead of the game with 46 seconds left.
Chattanooga answered and took the lead back with a pair of free throws with 32 seconds remaining. Illinois responded with 2 free throws of their own 20 seconds later.
Chattanooga had one last possession and 12 seconds to try and find a winner. Unfortunately, their first shot was blocked and their second look went long. Illinois escaped with the one point and Chattanooga fans left crushed.
Terrell Owens was among those fans and his reaction to the heartbreaking finish was caught on camera.
Terrell Owens reaction to the potential Chattanooga game-winner. pic.twitter.com/PdTeEE1aAK
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 19, 2022
Owens clearly still has plenty of love for the team that was once part of for an NCAA Tournament appearance. He didn’t have the most impactful basketball career, averaging under 2 points per game through his career. However, he obviously had a much more significant football career.
Owens amassed 144 catches, 2320 yards, and 19 touchdowns with the Mocs.