NCAA statement on controversial call at end of Clemson’s heartbreaking March Madness loss

COLUMBIA, S.C. (NCAA) - POSTGAME STATEMENT FROM JON LEVINSON, SECRETARY-RULES EDITOR AND PENNY DAVIS, NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL OFFICIALS

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA vs. CLEMSON

MARCH 21, 2026

FIRST ROUND • COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

Question:

“What happened on final review from the inbounds until the shot went through? Was there a foul call pending in the review of the play? Explanation why shot was waived off and we into OT.”

Statement by referee:

“Under the rule for a mandatory replay review (Rule 11-2.1.a.3), officials must use replay to determine whether a foul was committed before the reading of zeroes on the game clock. The determining factor as to when the foul occurred is when the officials observe the illegal contact, not the official’s signal for a foul or contact that is not yet illegal (Approved Ruling 2-4, 2025-26 NCAA Women’s Basketball Case Book).

When reviewing plays involving last-second shots, officials are to review the play from its start (the throw-in) through the conclusion of the play. If during a replay review involving plays impacted by the game and/or shot clock, officials must ascertain whether the appropriate clock(s) started or stopped properly. When a clock in question does not start properly, the officials shall time the play to determine whether it occurred before or after the expiration of time.

Officials may use an embedded stopwatch or a handheld digital stopwatch to time the sequence, but must ensure the video is playing at real speed (2025-26 CCA Manual 4.7.C4.C). At replay, the officials determined that the illegal contact (foul) occurred after the expiration of time. The made basket could not be scored as the try was not released prior to the expiration of time and the fourth quarter ended in a tie score, sending the game to overtime.

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