UConn women's basketball defeated NC State in a 91-87 double-overtime classic on Monday night. The Elite Eight nail-biters went into their second extra period after Jackia Brown-Turner finished a game-tying three for Wolfpack in less than a second.
It was a clutch shot at a perfectly executed play, but the scene made the audience think of the same thing.
With only a few ticks up three, why didn't Huskies head coach Jenno Aurimma deliberately foul his team to avoid this scenario?
Gotta foul Geno https://t.co/ajGyqMEYxV
— Ben Ariano (@livestrong83062) March 29, 2022
THAT'S WHY YOU FOUL UP THREE WHY IS NO ONE LISTENING TO ME
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 29, 2022
UConn supposed to foul there 🤷🏾♂️
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) March 29, 2022
UConn probably should have fouled
— Micheal Compton (@mcompton428) March 29, 2022
While the vision is 20/20, that decision was already discussed by ESPN's broadcast team. It's a three-point game almost every time.
The other team does not get a chance to tie unless fouling is done in shooting action. Despite the simple calculations, teams are often afraid of the opponent throwing a shot hastily and receiving three free throws.
It is difficult to question the coaching skills of the 11-time national champion, but Aurimma probably should have fouled. Regardless, UConn emerged victorious and advanced to their 14th consecutive Last Four appearance.