Arkansas came up short in their upset effort against North Carolina on Sunday, losing 72-65 to the Tar Heels in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. If a call or two towards the end of their game had gone their way, things could have been even closer.
First came this play with 1:18 left in the game and the Heels up 66-65. Daryl Macon missed a 3-pointer and the refs ruled the ball was North Carolina’s after it went out of bounds. However, a replay showed Macon’s shot was tipped and therefore out on North Carolina.
No tip??? #Arkansas gets screwed!! pic.twitter.com/8MULEijNMA
— Steve (@Redfishala) March 20, 2017
On the following play, North Carolina’s Joel Berry missed a shot that was rebounded by teammate Kennedy Meeks, who put it back in for a basket to make it 68-65. Many complained that no charge or travel was called on the play.
Just like they drew it up pic.twitter.com/hXHaoIjcNj
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 20, 2017
But another video shows that maybe Arkansas should have been called for a foul, so the outcome was fair.
@clarencehilljr @mspear96 @jemelehill and all others who said this was a "travel" or "offensive foul" STOP IT!!!!! It was a foul on Arkansas pic.twitter.com/vSR2Wg1fHy
— JESSE with no "i" (@Mr4thAndLong) March 20, 2017
In the end, despite the controversial calls, Arkansas missed two free throws and a 3-pointer in the final minute and can only blame themselves for the loss, not the officials.
