Tough Defeat: Indiana Swishes 3/4-Court Buzzer-Beater in 70-67 Loss to Michigan
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As the final buzzer sounded, the crowd at Mackey Arena fell silent, unsure of what to make of the bizarre and thrilling sequence of events that had just transpired. Indiana had been dealt a crushing defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals, Michigan, 70-67. Yet, it was not the score that had everyone in shock, but the sheer drama of the buzzer-beating three-pointer that had gone down from 3⁄4 court, courtesy of Indiana’s Rob Phinisee.
This tough bad beat left both teams stunned and wondering how things had slipped away from their grasp. In reality, this rollercoaster ride of a game was an incredible example of what college basketball has to offer – an amalgamation of raw emotion, exceptional talent, and just a hint of magic.
### A Wild Back-and-Forth Battle
Throughout the night, the game went back and forth, each side trading baskets, steals, and highlight-reel plays. The first half alone saw both teams shoot well above 45%, with each player making at least one notable shot. However, as the teams went to their locker rooms at halftime, the score stood deadlocked at 36-36. What could only be described as an even battle for basketball supremacy ensued. The tension on the court began to boil over as every defensive play took on the appearance of a do-or-die mission. As such, Michigan’s coach Juwan Howard expressed this sentiment to the press room:
“Coach talked about defense at halftime and just emphasizing, let’s pick each other up and just really dig deep for this game because this is an old Big Ten battle.”
And with the message echoed throughout their camp, Michigan continued to keep pace with their in-state adversaries, slowly extending their lead and finally reaching their goal of being one possession away. It took just two successful free throws with two minutes to spare to bring their team one stride closer.
On the opposite side, the Indiana bench found their voice through some clever halftime adjustments and fresh play-calling from Coach Miller, whose unyielding encouragement could be sensed radiating across the sidelines.
#### Phinisee Steps Up to Write History
Then came the unforgettable three-quarters-court heave that redefined what ‘buzzer-beating’ meant to both college hoops enthusiasts and sports journalists everywhere. At a point in time where any chance of comeback or a comeback push was practically dwindling down, Rob Phinisee grasped hold of his teammate De’Ron Davis’ hands for encouragement as both looked for answers in his deep-set stare.
Time ran down. Focused and steadfast in his intentions, Phinisee raised the ball towards his eyes. Eyes scanning, a single shot from this very long distance and under such extraordinary conditions – Indiana basketball lore at the fingertips, yet another classic display of collegiate tenacity unfolded in a packed and energized stadium.
To think about what Coach Miller described his players, this group being on a similar footing, not much farther, is simply something magical, just incredibly proud of this team right now. Proud that we gave everything we got on that floor and never let it go until that buzzer goes off, just, this feeling of respect.
When questioned about their post-game conversation and whether his thoughts of celebration immediately began crossing their minds as well, he couldn’t contain the elation expressed through their responses.
That kind of respect right now that our players gave their teammates – what you got today was because the love the Indiana University players for their team members.
On an otherwise melancholic evening filled with bitter loss and tough beatings, we couldn’t overlook what a wonderful memory they crafted here at the old Hoosier Hype capital, Assembly Hall. Their game has made some sort of magic with those unforgettable last minutes on a frigid January day, in essence reminding the Indiana fan base about how college hoops still can offer life-altering thrills to remember.
