Nicolas Timberlake from Kansas believes he was fouled. But according to Samford’s A.J. Staton-McCray, if he was fouled, then it must have been a very light touch.
The fourth-seeded Jayhawks benefited from what seemed like a questionable foul call in the final moments on Thursday night, leading to two crucial free throws by Timberlake for a 93-89 win in the NCAA Tournament’s first round.
Despite the Bulldogs’ fierce press and a strong bench, they managed to narrow a 22-point gap to just one point with less than a minute remaining. As Timberlake was driving for a dunk, Staton-McCray blocked his shot from behind, but a foul was called.
Timberlake made both free throws, giving the Jayhawks a three-point lead with 14.7 seconds left and securing a second-round clash against Gonzaga. “I got fouled on the breakaway,” said Timberlake. However, Staton-McCray disagreed, calling it a “terrible call.”
While the debate may continue, the Jayhawks move forward, but the Bulldogs from Samford, the Southern Conference champions, were denied their first-ever tournament victory.
“I thought A.J. made an incredible play,” said Samford coach Bucky McMillan. “I’m not faulting the call. You can see it different ways. But I was proud of our guys’ ability to go make a play.”
Hunter Dickinson led Kansas with 19 points, 20 rebounds, and four blocks despite playing with a sleeve to protect his recently injured shoulder. KJ Adams Jr. contributed 20 points, while Timberlake added 19 after his crucial free throws.
Kansas entered the tournament amidst a slump, missing leading scorer Kevin McCullar Jr. due to injury and losing four of their last five games.
Although the Jayhawks won, Coach Self refrained from engaging in the debate over the foul call, emphasizing Timberlake’s strong attack to the basket. Despite the loss, Samford’s full-court pressure forced Kansas into turnovers, but the Jayhawks’ efficient shooting helped secure the win.
