Team Has Defeat Snatched From Jaws of Victory When Fired-Up Fans Prematurely Storm Court
As it turns out, the Patriots' stunning Super Bowl victory wasn't the only improbable come-from-behind win this past weekend.
Much like the Falcons in the NFL's showcase game, St. Bonaventure fell to VCU in overtime on Saturday after it appeared to have the game in hand. The Bonnies' loss, though, was a lot more, well, bizarre.
Here's how it went down: St. Bonaventure's Matt Mobley hit a 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Bonnies a 66-65 lead. Fans, not realizing there was still time on the clock, stormed the court, so referees issued a technical foul on SBU. VCU tied it up with a free throw, sending the game into the extra session, where it emerged with an 83-77 victory and providing Bonaventure the ultimate home court (dis)advantage.
The decision to issue a technical has been met controversy, with some saying it was not necessary. The Atlantic 10 Conference, meanwhile, stands by the call.
St. Bonaventure coach Mark Schmidt was displeased with how his school handled the situation, but has no ill will toward the students who ran onto the court. "We wouldn’t have won without the students," Schmidt said. "With what they brought and the excitement they gave our guys, the energy they gave our guys, it’s irreplaceable. They don’t know better.