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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Zeglinski

Chet Holmgren fouled out on a questionable call and college hoops fans weren’t happy

This year’s Men’s NCAA tournament was supposed to be the year Gonzaga finally broke through. With freshman Chet Holmgren in the fold, a likely NBA lottery pick, the Bulldogs would avenge their defeat in last season’s national championship game, and everything would be sunshine and rainbows.

You know what they say: The best-laid plans of bulldogs and men often go awry.

On Thursday night, Arkansas upset Gonzaga, 74-68. A shame because the impeccably talented Holmgren was supposed to take Zags (-8.5) over the top, but that’s only when he plays the entire game. With Arkansas leading 62-56 and smelling blood in the water late in the second half, J.D. Notae drove down the baseline toward Holmgren.

When Holgrem went up to challenge him, Notae managed the unthinkable — he got the big man to foul out.

As is often the case in big games, college hoops fans took exception to the controversial call on Holmgren that unofficially ended a Gonzaga comeback attempt. They didn’t agree with a few of the previous foul calls on Holmgren, either.

Arkansas deserves credit for the shocking upset, but given the circumstances, this one will sting a long time for Gonzaga. While the Bulldogs could’ve defended better, especially on Notae (23 points), Holmgren fouling out didn’t help their chances at victory. It’s another March and another year where Gonzaga disappoints.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

 

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