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Micah Shrewsberry Notre Dame: Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry reacted angrily after a controversial ruling late in his team’s 72–71 defeat against California on Friday night.
The disputed call came in the final moments and immediately heightened tensions on the floor.
As the buzzer sounded, Shrewsberry rushed off the court toward referee Adam Flore.
Several Notre Dame players and staff members stepped in to stop him from advancing further.
The third-year coach continued shouting and pointing in the official’s direction while being held back.
The scene underscored the frustration surrounding the closing sequence of the one-point loss.
The late-game controversy centered on referee Adam Flore after a ruling opened the door for California to attempt a decisive four-point play.
Notre Dame was ahead by three points with 9.9 seconds left on the clock.
Head coach Micah Shrewsberry directed his team to commit a foul before Cal could launch a tying three.
Guard Logan Imes made two initial reaches at Cal guard Dai Dai Ames near midcourt without drawing a whistle.
On the next reach, Imes arrived late. Ames gathered, elevated, and knocked down a three-pointer from the left wing.
The sequence triggered the chaotic finish that followed and sparked Notre Dame’s sideline frustration.
The officiating crew initially ruled the play a shooting foul that would allow an extra free throw.
That decision was later changed, with officials saying the contact happened before the shot.
After a second discussion at midcourt, the referees reversed course once again. The three-point basket was upheld.
Cal guard Dai Dai Ames was awarded a free throw for the potential lead. The ruling came with 5.5 seconds left in the game.
California coach Mark Madsen said he believed the defender made contact as the shot was being released on the critical late possession.
Madsen told reporters he noticed an official initially indicated a foul on the play. He said the officiating crew conferred more than once before reaching a final decision.
Madsen described the atmosphere in the arena as highly emotional for everyone involved.
He credited Dai Dai Ames for rising to the moment and knocking down the three-pointer.
Madsen also praised Ames for his composure at the free-throw line in the closing seconds.
Dai Dai Ames made the free throw that put California ahead in the closing seconds. Notre Dame responded with one final possession.
Braeden Shrewsberry launched a three-pointer at the buzzer, but the shot came up short. The miss ended the Fighting Irish’s comeback attempt.
There was no immediate indication whether head coach Micah Shrewsberry would be disciplined for his postgame conduct.
School or conference officials had not announced any review following the incident.
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