Memphis held a 65-64 lead with 5.5 seconds left, but a jump ball gave possession to FAU underneath the Tigers basket. There was controversy around the jump ball call as Memphis jumped on the loose ball on the floor and seemed to call timeout before the officials blew the whistle.
FAU freshman guard Nicholas Boyd took the inbounds pass, drove and scored on a layup to give the Owls a 66-65 lead with 2.5 seconds remaining. Memphis tried to quickly move the ball up the court to attempt a buzzer beater, but couldn't get a shot off in time.This should’ve been a timeout for Memphis. Not a jump ball.
— Hunter Baumgardt (@hunterbonair) March 18, 2023
Tough call to make as a ref though trying to see everything at once. #Memphis #FAU pic.twitter.com/CXmuQnY1n3
It was as the final buzzer sounded that Hardaway chucked his water bottle towards the end of the court, clearly upset at the adverse turn of events.FAU SURVIVES ON A GAME-WINNER 😱
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 18, 2023
WHAT. AN. ENDING. pic.twitter.com/YeKPzFEhjV
Hardaway certainly had a right to be frustrated at the way things played out. However, as a public figure, leader of men and role model, he has to be hold himself to a higher standard and avoid actions that could reflect negatively on himself and the school.Penny Hardaway threw his water bottle after losing to FAU lol pic.twitter.com/Vxz8T2KCS6
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) March 18, 2023
As for Florida Atlantic, they move on to play Farleigh Dickinson, who on Friday became only the second 16-seed in NCAA Tournament history to knock off a 1-seed as they upset Purdue 63-58. It certainly is March Madness once again.
[LBS]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
