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Bill Rafferty, fans stunned by ‘mind-boggling’ final possession of regulation from Johnell Davis, FAU
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Johnell Davis left a lot to be desired on FAU’s final possession of regulation during Friday’s loss to Northwestern.
Northwestern had tied the game at 58 with under 10 seconds to go, but still plenty of time. Davis received a pass and took the ball up the court slowly, with no sense of urgency despite there being plenty of time to drive to the basket or find an open man.
No, instead he opted for a very bizarre pullup with 2 seconds still on the clock and a pair of defenders right in his face. Bill Rafferty, who was on call for the game, was flabbergasted by his decision.
“What’s he doing?”
FREE BASKETBALL
pic.twitter.com/3fxgMReOaL— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) March 22, 2024
The rest of the country (and FAU bettors) shared Rafferty’s sentiment. Many fans called the decision “mind-boggling” and among the worst finishes they had ever seen. Northwestern went on to dominate the Owls in overtime, blitzing their way to a 77-65 win.
Here’s a look at some of the reaction from around social media:
I’m gonna level with you guys. I’ve seen probably 800 Finishes across all of college basketball this year. That Johnell Davis finish was probably one of the worst 25 of the season
— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) March 22, 2024
“FAU WITH A CHANCE TO WIN THE GAME”
Johnell Davis:
— GoldBoys x JD (@GoldBoysSupport) March 22, 2024
Oh man. Did Johnell Davis not know the clock was running out???? Woof.
To overtime we go!
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 22, 2024
This final FAU possession of regulation is mind boggling.
Did Johnell Davis not know the time?
Did he expect a timeout to be called?
Horrible. #MarchMadness2024
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) March 22, 2024
Johnell Davis getting into his offense with the game on the linepic.twitter.com/iAKh7TKOK5
— PropSwap (@PropSwap) March 22, 2024
JOHNELL DAVIS FOR THE WIN
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) March 22, 2024
screaming “what is he doing? take it to the basket!” in Steve Lappas voice at Johnell Davis. I’ve been asked to stop and am being escorted out by security
— morrisoncrying (@morrisoncrying) March 22, 2024
Johnell Davis thought he was about to hit a Damian Lillard type shot ??
— A1FantasySports (@a1fantasy23) March 22, 2024
Johnell Davis when there is less than 5 seconds left in a tie game pic.twitter.com/WeU3Tigutp
— Jalin Troutman (@JalinTroutman35) March 22, 2024
Not sure why Johnell Davis is settling for that shot lmao he was walking the ball up the court with 5 seconds left
— Braiden Turner (@bturner23) March 22, 2024
What’s Next for Northwestern?
The Wildcats played well Friday and move on to the Round of 32 to face off against the winner of UConn and Stetson. The Huskies are currently the favorite to win the national title according to several sports betting apps, so the Wildcats will certainly have their work cut out for them should the Huskies avoid what would be a historic upset.
But don’t count Chris Collins and the Wildcats out. Northwestern stunned everyone earlier in the season by downing Zach Edey and Purdue, and it’s hard to count an electric guard like Boo Buie out of any matchup.
The Wildcats will face their Round of 32 opponent in Brooklyn on Sunday.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
