NCAA admits refs blew game-changing call in Northwestern's loss to top-seeded Gonzaga

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March 19, 2017 1:10 AM

The rally ended on a blocked shot that not only cost Northwestern two points, but it also led to a technical foul on head coach Chris Collins.

Northwestern's run in the NCAA Tournament came to an abrupt halt against top-seeded Gonzaga when the Wildcats' second-half rally came up short.

The rally ended on a blocked shot that not only cost Northwestern two points, but it also led to a technical foul on head coach Chris Collins.

After the game, the NCAA admitted that the refs blew the call, saying it should have been ruled goaltending and two points for Northwestern.

After Northwestern trailed by 18 at the half and were still down by 18 with 12 minutes to play, they made a furious rally, cutting the lead to five with under six minutes to go. But just when it looked like they were going to cut the lead even further, Derek Pardon's dunk attempt was blocked by Zach Collins.

Chris Collins went berserk, running on to the court and drawing a technical foul.

It turns out he had a legitimate complaint. When the replays were shown, it was clear that Zach Collins had reached up through the rim to block the shot.

That's a no-no.

After the game, the NCAA issued a statement confirming what everybody saw, that the refs blew the crucial call.

Of course, the statement is of little consolation to the Northwestern team. At the same time, the technical foul was deserved, missed call or not.

Still, it is hard to not wonder what the outcome might have been if Northwestern had been given two points instead of giving two free throws to Gonzaga.

We'll never know.

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