Kentucky and Auburn both struggled to play clean basketball. Honestly, it was an unattractive game between two teams eager to break out of a slump. Auburn came in having lost five straight, Kentucky two, and both were slipping away from NCAA Tournament contention.
The first half saw a back-and-forth battle, with Kentucky taking control early in the second half. However, Auburn did what they often do.
The Tigers mounted a strong comeback from a 9-point deficit, cutting Kentucky’s lead to just one with 14.3 seconds remaining after making two free throws. What happened next is sure to be debated for some time.
Auburn reversed the momentum and stifled Kentucky’s usual second-half scoring surge
Before the game, Kentucky ranked 11th nationally, averaging 45 points in the second half, while Auburn allowed just 42 points per second half, ranking 325th. Kentucky entered halftime with a 4-point lead but managed only 35 points in the second half.
This set the stage for a controversial ending. Otega Oweh was inbounding to Collin Chandler, who was clearly being held. Chandler extended his arm, a common move by guards to free themselves from a hold. The referees called a charge. You be the judge:
Auburn missed two attempts before Elyjah Freeman scored with a putback. Collin Chandler attempted to recreate the LSU magic by throwing down the court to Moreno. KeShawn Murphy got a touch on it, and Moreno couldn’t complete the pass. The clock ran out, and Kentucky was unable to get a shot.
But it was the scene with Chandler that had everyone talking.
The Kentucky players and head coach couldn’t believe it.
Seriously, what was he expected to do? Just stand there being held as the referees kept the whistles in their pockets.
Keith is correct; the Cats needed a rebound but were unable to generate one.
You’ve heard of selective hearing; these referees used selective whistles. They intentionally forgot to blow it on Auburn.
Whether the call was bad or not, Kentucky should have won the game. They didn’t, and the Cats are now 17-10 and in risk of missing the tournament due to upcoming challenging games at South Carolina and Texas A&M, as well as home games against Vanderbilt and Florida.
The bubble has no cushion, which is where Kentucky finds itself.