Controversial no-call sets up Duke’s thrilling OT win over UNC

Did referees blow these crucial calls at the end of Duke-UNC?

The greatest rivalry in college basketball provided all-timer on Saturday in Chapel Hill, which featured ridiculous endings to regulation and overtime.

Duke overcame a 10-point deficit with just over two minutes to play, and guard Tre Jones saved the Blue Devils at the buzzer with an intentionally missed free-throw that enabled him to hit a game-tying buzzer beater.

The ending to overtime was every bit as wild. North Carolina fell behind early in the overtime period but fought back to lead by five with just 21 seconds remaining. Buckets from Jones and Wendell Moore cut the Tar Heels’ lead to one point with 13 seconds left, and the Blue Devils got the ball back on a controversial inbounds play that resulted in a North Carolina turnover.

UNC inbounded the ball to Andrew Platek, and Duke’s Moore lunged for the ball as Platek caught it. The ball was knocked loose and went out of bounds, and Platek hit the floor after taking slight contact from Moore – but officials did not call a foul on the play, and ruled on the court that the ball was off of Platek.

ESPN commentator Jay Bilas couldn’t believe the no call, arguing that Moore clearly fouled Platek. Officials went to a replay review to determine who touched the ball last, but there wasn’t clear evidence that the ball was off Moore, so they stuck with the original call.

Duke got the ball to Jones, who drove to the basket and drew a foul. Jones hit the first shot to tie the game at 96-96 – but missed the go-ahead shot. Moore tipped the ball back out and Duke retained the ball, allowing Jones to try and attempt a game-winner before the clock expired. Jones missed his off-balance attempt, but Moore caught the airball and put it in off the glass to win the game.

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