SMU loses on controversial goaltend; Twitter reacts
SMU fell to UCLA, 60-59, on a last-second goal-tending call on a shot put up by Bryce Alford in the final minute
An unusual end to SMU’s season took place early Thursday afternoon after a goal-tending call in the final minute. UCLA trailed by two as time trickled away late in the second half. So sophomore guard heaved up a deep three that fell short. Except Yanick Moereira, forward for SMU, jumped up for the rebound extremely close to the basket. It appeared as though Moreira touched the ball before it could clear the rim.
The officials declared the play “goal-tending” and SMU only had seconds to attempt a final play. Unfortunately for SMU, the Bruins would go on to win 60-59 and advance to the round of 32.
After the play, twitter was in a frenzy with the controversial call.
You see players all the time catch bad shots like that. They know. Bad break for SMU.
— Mike Wilkening (@mikewilkening) March 19, 2015
SMU beat by BAD call. Ball WAS NOT IN THE CYLINDER & didn't even hit the rim! Those game deciding bad calls in the NCAA tourney. #BADCALL
— Jaci (@JaciKal) March 19, 2015
College has about 30 timeouts a game, but they don't review a goaltending call? Bs, smu were robbed
— Ocho Ocho (@DAT_Emeka) March 19, 2015
College basketball analysts from around the nation even got in on the action.
. @MarchMadnessTV how do the referees not review that UCLA goal tending call vs SMU?????? @ESPNCBB
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) March 19, 2015
Still not COMPLETELY sure but think Larry Brown's SMU just got robbed on a bogus goal-tend call. Good for me: My upset pick on today's show.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 19, 2015
The Dez Bryant call, while I hated it, was the right call. Or at minimum, it was explainable. This was a disgrace. #NCAA #SMU
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 19, 2015
NBA star, Kevin Durant was also watching the game. He tweeted out his approval of the officials call.
Yep that was a goaltend.
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) March 19, 2015
The SMU basketball coach, Larry Brown got a chance to reflect a little bit after the game. Apparently Moreira broke down in tears during the post game because of his costly mistake.
Larry Brown: "I'm sick for those kids."
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 19, 2015
Larry Brown: "Might've been goal tending. Probably was." But gotta be reviewable. "Happened so fast."
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 19, 2015
Ugh. Sad. Yanick Moreira, who goal tended for SMU: "It's all my fault." Breaks down.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 19, 2015
It was a shock to the UCLA Bruins that they even got into the tournament. But after receiving an 11 seed, the pulled off a thrilling upset and will face UAB in the round of 32. If I had to give any advice to the UAB Blaze, it would probably be something about waiting for the ball to clearly leave the basket before grabbing the rebound. Especially in the closing seconds of the game.