Northwestern’s basketball coach, Chris Collins, reached a breaking point during his team’s 105-96 overtime loss to No. 2 Purdue on Wednesday night. As the game’s conclusion became evident, Collins expressed his frustration towards the officiating crew, with particular emphasis on Courtney Green. Despite being ejected, Collins did manage to extend sportsmanship gestures, shaking hands with Purdue coach Matt Painter and acknowledging Zach Edey before exiting the court.
The turning point occurred when Purdue’s Mason Gillis seized the opportunity, sinking four technical free throws that ultimately determined the final score.
A notable aspect of the game was the stark contrast in free throw attempts between the teams. Purdue took an astonishing 46 free throws, while Northwestern only had eight attempts. Despite Purdue’s significant advantage, they only converted 63% of their free throws, making 29.
In his post-game remarks, Collins pointed out the glaring free-throw discrepancy, expressing astonishment at the lopsided box score. Despite his initial reluctance to delve into officiating matters, the remarkable difference in free throw attempts couldn’t be ignored.
Addressing Purdue’s 7-foot-4 center, Zach Edey, who struggled at the line, going 8-of-17, Collins acknowledged his dominance, describing him as a “dominant, dominant all-time college player.”
This game echoed a previous meeting on December 2, where Northwestern secured an overtime win despite Purdue enjoying a considerable 41-32 advantage in free-throw attempts. The recent rematch not only showcased the intensity of the game but also highlighted the disparities in officiating decisions that significantly influenced the final outcome.
At the buzzer Chris Collins is T’d up and ejected from the game and there is time back on the clock pic.twitter.com/eGqWsdAa8n
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 1, 2024
Chris Collins is ejected after this play when he walked out on the court while time was still on the clock to talk to the ref pic.twitter.com/J0L2GYg5sh
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 1, 2024
Chris Collins gets ejected, a dramatic thriller:
1. Runs onto the court during play
2. Gets right in ref’s face
3. Has to be held back
4. Screams “I’M GOOD!”
4. Still shakes Matt Painter’s hand
5. Daps up Zach Edey
6. Pumps up crowd as he exitsNo notes. pic.twitter.com/edXFtNYTZl
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) February 1, 2024
