Byu Cougars topped Arizona Wildcats on Saturday night in a wild game containing a controversial call, an incident between players and an explicit song from the crowd in Tucson.
Cougars won the game 96-95.
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Byu tip Richie Saunders runs against Arizona guard Jaen Bradley, Saturday 22 February 2025, in Tucson. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Wildcats had the ball with under 12 seconds to play. Caleb Love searched for some heroics and was buried when he made a shot. But instead of receiving the opportunity to complete a three-point game, Love got only two free kicks. He hit them both and set up Arizona 95-94 with a few seconds to play.
Byu moved the ball up to the floor quickly. Cougars star Richie Saunders drove the field and tried to float one towards the basket. He fell and tried, and a late whistle was heard. Arizonas Trey Townsend was called for a mistake. Saunders made both free kicks and Byu won the game.
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Arizona’s Caleb Love and Henri Veesaar go off the course after losing to Byu, Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Tucson. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Players had to be separated when they were in the handshake line after the game. Furthermore, fans of the 19-ranked wildcats were heard of changing the “F — The Mormons” as Byu left the floor.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd disagreed with the last second’s bad calls.
“It’s a bad call. I mean, no matter what. What should I say? You hate for a game to be decided by it,” said Lloyd via Sports Illustrated. “(Townsend) played good defense. The guy’s turn, swivel, swivel, throwing his shoulder into him, throwing a shot and falling down. It’s a mistake with two seconds to go. I mean it’s the big 12. The is what i am told.
Arizona officials also issued an apology for the fans’ song.
Arizona Guard Caleb Love and Byu tips Mawot Mag speech during their game, Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Tucson. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
“After tonight’s Lord’s Basketball Game, it was brought to our attention that an unacceptable song arose,” said Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois in a statement.
“On behalf of the University of Arizona Athletic Department, we apologize for Byu, their student athletes, coaches and fans. Chanten does not reflect who we are and should not have happened.”
