Auburn, Ala. (EETV) - No. 8 Auburn played nowhere near a perfect game in their 81-80 loss to Texas A&M last night. However, with about 10 seconds left on the clock, Auburn had a chance to win the game, until a call was made that left Tiger fans stunned.
@AuburnMBB loss shouldn't even count. They didn't have their best player in the 2nd half and there was a bull crap block call at the end. I showed it to a bama fan. They even agree with me I hope the sec looks at it and does something. Worse block call I have ever seen.
— Alan Craig (@unguardable32) February 8, 2018
You don’t make that call with 2 seconds left in the game.
— Jared Nelson (@JaredNelson3010) February 8, 2018
Felony on the Plains. @AuburnMBB and @coachbrucepearl we’re ROBBED! Love these Tigers! Praying @Bwb_2 is ok!! #WDE
— AUTiger (@TigerPaws86) February 8, 2018
With 4 seconds left on the clock, Auburn's Chuma Okeke was called for a block within the restricted area, which would send Duane Wilson to the foul line to make what would be the game-winning free throws.
If the call stands that's a tough break for Auburn & Chuma Okeke. Kid was clearly in position waiting for an eternity...heels barely scraped the restricted area
— CourtCred (@courtcred) February 8, 2018
The call left Auburn Arena and Tiger fans everywhere in shock. From the looks of the play, Okeke was in perfect position and did not touch Wilson on the shot.
On closer examination, Okeke's heel was barely touching the restricted area. A restricted area you say?
Yes, in college basketball there is such as thing as a restricted area.
The basic definition of the restricted area in basketball is: an arc in the paint that marks a minimum distance away from a defense must stand to take a charge.
The restricted area arc was introduced in 1997 in order to make drawing an offensive foul more difficult.
This arc forces a defense to plant both feet fully out the restricted arc.
If you look closely at the play Okeke made, his heel was on the line of the arc, therefore he was ruled in the restricted area.
Given the time he had to set himself, Okeke could have made sure he was fully set outside this zone. However, with his heel on the line, the officials made the proper call.