UConn women’s basketball defeated NC State in a 91-87 double-overtime classic on Monday night. The Elite Eight nail-biter went to its second extra period after Jakia Brown-Turner drained a game-tying three for the Wolfpack with less than a second remaining.
It was a clutch shot on a perfectly executed play, but the sequence had onlookers wondering the same thing.
Up three with only a few ticks remaining, why didn’t Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma have his team intentionally foul to avoid this very 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
Foul. Up. Three.
— Paul Schmidt (@LTJpezcore1) March 29, 2022
UConn probably should have fouled
— Micheal Compton (@mcompton428) March 29, 2022
While hindsight is 20/20, ESPN’s broadcast team discussed that very decision beforehand. It comes up just about every time there’s a three-point game.
By fouling, as long as not done in the act of shooting, the other team doesn’t get a chance to tie. Despite the simple calculation, teams are often afraid of the opponent hastily throwing up a shot and receiving three free throws.
It’s hard to question the coaching acumen of an 11-time national champion, but Auriemma probably should have fouled. Regardless, UConn emerged victorious and advanced to its 14th consecutive Final Four appearance.
The post Everyone Is Questioning Geno Auriemma’s OT Decision Tonight appeared first on The Spun.