Watch: Undefeated Streak Snapped by Heartbreaking Last-Second Charging Call
This was not your typical buzzer-beater — it was the bizarro buzzer-beater.
The Houston Cougars were knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten in college basketball thanks to a smart play by Temple forward Ernest Aflakpui at the buzzer.
No, Aflakpui did not make a shot at the buzzer — he took a charge.
In the final seconds, Houston was trailing 71-69 to Temple on the road. The Cougars’ Corey Davis took a pass at the top of the key and found an open lane.
He drove to the hoop for the game-tying layup, but Aflakpui slid into position, planted his feet and took the charge.
Undefeated no more!
No. 17 Houston falls to Temple after the game-tying bucket is called off for a charge. pic.twitter.com/1GRMQtiXSt
— ESPN (@espn) January 10, 2019
Davis made the layup at the buzzer, seemingly sending the game to overtime, but the basket was called off as he was called for charging.
Davis laid on the court in disbelief, but there is no denying that it was the right call. Aflakpui was clearly in position.
The instinct for most players on such a play is to block the shot or defend the offensive player. Often, that leads to a defensive foul and puts the shooter on line. But how many defenders think to take the charge in that spot? Probably not many. Kudos to Aflakpui.
He’s apparently something of an expert at it.
“In practices it’s frustrating because he’s always taking charges on us,” Temple’s Quinton Rose said after the game, reported ESPN. “But in a game, he saved us. I love him.”
His coach agreed.
“He’s the best charge-taker as a big guy that I’ve ever seen,” Temple coach Fran Dunphy said, reported ESPN.
It was particularly painful for No. 17 Houston (15-1) because they were one of three undefeated teams in the country. Now, only No. 2 Michigan (15-0) and No. 4 Virginia (14-0) are undefeated in Division I.
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson couldn’t believe it, as he doubled over on the court like he was punched in the gut.
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson https://t.co/4K9UuTDIxq
— Michael (@mjzingrone) January 10, 2019
“We were going to lose one eventually,” Sampson said after the game. “There’s never a good loss, but losing at Temple is not the end of the season for us.”
The final score was 73-69 as Temple made two free throws at the end. Rose led the Owls (12-3) with 22 points.
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