Cal Rallies to 72-71 Win Over Notre Dame on Reversed Call

In a stunning finish at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California, on Friday night, the University of California Golden Bears rallied to defeat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 72-71, thanks to a controversial four-point play in the final seconds that sparked an angry confrontation between Notre Dame coach Micah Shrewsberry and game officials.

The Fighting Irish, who led for most of the contest, appeared poised for victory after holding a 69-65 edge with 16 seconds remaining. California guard Dai Dai Ames, who finished with a game-high 23 points, drained a three-pointer with 11 seconds left to narrow the gap to 69-68. Notre Dame's Braeden Shrewsberry then sank two free throws to restore a three-point lead with nine seconds to play. On the ensuing possession, Ames drove the length of the court and launched an off-balance three-pointer from the left wing while being fouled by Notre Dame's Logan Imes. The shot fell, tying the score at 71-71 with 5.5 seconds left.

Officials initially waved off the basket, ruling the foul occurred before Ames released the shot, which would have negated the three points. After a brief discussion, prompted in part by pleas from California coach Mark Madsen,...