In a high-stakes NCAA tournament matchup, Samford University suffered a heartbreaking loss to the University of Kansas. The game came down to the wire, with the fate of Samford’s season resting on a controversial foul call on A.J. Staton-McCray that sent Kansas player Nicolas Timberlake to the free-throw line.
Despite the tough call, Samford coach Bucky McMillan refused to blame the officials for the close call. Instead, he commended his team for their effort and impressive comeback during the game. The Bulldogs utilized a full-court press and sunk an impressive 16 3-pointers, showcasing their resilience and determination on the court.
Kansas coach Bill Self avoided discussing the controversial foul, choosing instead to praise Timberlake’s performance. The Jayhawks dominated with their size in the paint, led by Hunter Dickinson’s impressive 19 points and 20 rebounds.
Samford put up a strong fight, with Achor Achor leading the Bulldogs with 23 points and Jaden Campbell adding 18. Freshman Riley Allenspach surprised everyone with a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc during the game.
In the final seconds, Timberlake’s free throws sealed the win for Kansas, leaving McMillan and the Bulldogs shocked after feeling confident about their chances at halftime and throughout the game. Despite the disappointing loss, Samford’s grit and determination on the court did not go unnoticed, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for this tenacious team.
