By The Huffington Post News Editors
Aaron Craft’s game-winning shot wasn’t the only play he made that had everyone talking after Ohio State edged Iowa State in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Not long before his game-winning shot, the junior guard was involved in a controversial play that left some, notably Charles Barkley, thinking that the refs had robbed the Cyclones of a spot in the Sweet 16.
With Iowa State leading 75-74 with just 1:41 remaining, Cyclones guard Will Clyburn drove past Sam Thompson and Deshaun Thomas toward the rim. While in the air, Clyburn collided with Craft, who had positioned himself in his path. The driving shot dropped through the net, a whistle sounded. To the dismay of Clyburn and Iowa State, an offensive foul was called on the play. Rather than calling a block and sending Clyburn to the line to add to the ISU advantage, officials waived off the basket and gave the ball to Ohio State. The Buckeyes would tie the game on the ensuing possession and Craft would eventually hit the game-winner in the final second.
“I feel bad because the referees blew the call plain and simple,” Barkley said after the game during the postgame studio coverage on CBS. Like many, Barkley believed that officials should have called a blocking foul against Craft rather than a charge on Clyburn.
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