A thrilling March Madness matchup between No. 7 seed Kentucky and No. 10 seed Santa Clara in St. Louis has sparked outrage after video evidence reveals officials overlooked a critical timeout call in the final seconds.

The Dramatic Final Moments

The game stood tied at 70-70 when Santa Clara’s Allen Graves drained a clutch 3-pointer, giving the Broncos a 73-70 lead. Kentucky quickly inbounded the ball, and star guard Otega Oweh launched a desperation heave from near half-court that banked in, forcing overtime amid wild celebrations.

However, footage captures Santa Clara head coach Herb Sendek sprinting toward lead official Tony Padilla, frantically signaling for a timeout just before the inbound. Officials failed to acknowledge the call, allowing the play to proceed under NCAA rules.

Overtime Victory for Kentucky

In the extra period, Kentucky’s key players pulled ahead, securing an 89-84 win to advance to the Round of 32. Santa Clara fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the momentum shift.

Coach Sendek’s Post-Game Reaction

Sendek addressed the controversy afterward, stating, “Well, I unequivocally called timeout. But they didn’t grant it. I think the video evidence is clear, and anybody is able to pull it up. So, you know, [it’s] a likely response after Allen hits the three that the coach would be calling timeout to set the defense, which I tried to do, and I was successful in doing, other than it wasn’t acknowledged or recognized. So that’s what happened.”

Fan Backlash Erupts Online

The viral clip has ignited fan fury across social media. Viewers question how referees missed the obvious signal, with one commenting, “He literally called it… how do the refs miss that?” Another vented, “Clear timeout wave from Sendek and the refs saw NOTHING? Santa Clara straight robbed in regulation. Kentucky lucky to escape.”

Several fans labeled it “the most rigged game I’ve seen in a minute,” accusing officials of favoring power conferences and denying a potential upset.