As the half ended, a sea of blue and white blocked the big screen in the Highsmith student union on the UNCA campus. Photo by Bill Rhodes
At half-time it looked as if NCAA history was going to be made by UNCA: They led by 4. But in the second half, Syracuse showed its depth in the bench and made fewer mistakes. UNCA, out-sized, out-gunned and out-scored, was not a push-over, though. The Bulldogs can hold their heads high.
The smaller and tired Bulldogs fought to the last seconds.They join every other 16th-seed team in NCAA history as losing to a 1st seed. No history today, except for the fans at Highsmith. They will never forget it.
5 thoughts on “UNCA comes close, but Syracuse tops Bulldogs 72-65”
Facing a team that was bigger and faster the Bulldogs gave it a good shot. Fewer turnovers; a few more rebounds; and fewer poor calls by refs in the final minutes and Syracuse would be going home tonight and staying there until next season.
We’re very proud of you, UNC Bulldogs!
Wow, what horrendous officiating. Geez.
Congrats Bulldogs all the same! Great to see you gave them a game. Nearly an Orange Crush….
Two of the bad calls are documented here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/15/tom-corbett-ultrasound-bill-pennsylvania_n_1348801.html
Ooops…..I’m sorry. Please disregard that link.
This is the link that shows the ref’s calls in the UNCA/Syracuse game:
http://deadspin.com/5893730/syracuse-avoided-being-the-first-1-seed-to-lose-to-a-16-thanks-in-part-to-the-referees
Yeah, the officiating was quite a slap in the face. You know… kinda like when Dicky goes up for that layup.
Pretty disgusting job by the refs throughout the second half.
Helluva game Bulldogs. Asheville is proud of you all!
What is up with the photo at the top of the article? It looks like the pom poms are photoshopped in there. It’s not even done well.
Anyways, aren’t you supposed to put a disclaimer if you’re showing a doctored photo?