This isn’t to take anything away from the Providence Friars, who were a popular pick to be upset in the first round on Thursday. But South Dakota State was robbed of an opportunity.
Providence guard Jared Bynum held the fate of South Dakota State’s 21-game win streak in his hands, but it was his leg that ultimately ended up making the difference.
With the Friars holding on by a thread, Bynum jacked up a three-pointer with the shot clock winding down. In doing so, he stuck out his leg just enough to make contact with the South Dakota State defender, earning a foul and three free throws on a call that should not have been made in the first place.
https://twitter.com/TedBuddy8/status/1504526557934612482
South Dakota State: College basketball media and fans react to bad foul
Credit where it’s due — Bynum stepped up to the free throw line and sunk all three shots from the charity stripe. Doing so under immense pressure isn’t easy, especially with the entire arena erupting over a tough call against South Dakota State.
Providence proved they belonged, and very well could’ve won this game anyway. Yet, the officials robbed them of their moment, as well. Instead, Bynum’s leg is the storyline, not the resiliency shown by Ed Cooley’s group when pushed to the brink.
Arbitrary use of replay is comical. South Dakota State down 3, Bynum (providence) leans into SDSU “foul” - it was a flop but not reviewable
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) March 17, 2022
Bynum kicked his leg out. Wow.
— Eli Hershkovich (@EliHershkovich) March 17, 2022
I thought Bynum kicked his leg out a bit on that 3 point attempt...
— RC Maxfield (@RCMB323) March 17, 2022
Douglas Wilson called for a foul contesting a 3-point shot. Shot didn't go either. That could be the dagger as Jared Bynum hits all 3 free throws. 6 point game. 0:29 to play.
— Sean Bower (@SeanyBower) March 17, 2022
Refs taking this from South Dakota. Bynum stuck his leg out. Disgusting #SlingSleepers
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) March 17, 2022
Providence just got lucky with that call. Wow. Bynum guys all three to push Providence lead to six.
— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) March 17, 2022
Oh my. Jared Bynum fouled on a 3 at the last second. Eric Henderson cannot believe it.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 17, 2022
Great acting job by Providence's Bynum draws a three shot foul. Wow.
— Zach Borg (@IceBorg) March 17, 2022
Watched it dozens if times. I think Bynum 100% initiated contact. Wilson was already past him pic.twitter.com/DY6a5tYBu8
— Jordan Majewski (@jorcubsdan) March 17, 2022
Providence’s defense held South Dakota State well below their season average in points.
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