ACC admits error on controversial referee decision during Duke-Virginia game

Virginia defeated Duke in overtime on Saturday, but according to the ACC afterwards Duke should have shot free throws for a chance to win in regulation. A controversial decision by the officials happened at the end of regulation where officials initially called a foul on a block attempt by Virginia’s Reece Beekman.

Beekman attempted to block a game-winning dunk by Duke’s Kyle Filipowski — only to have the whistle blown. However, referees reviewed the play and determined that the foul had occurred after time expired in the game and negated the free throws that Filipowski would have attempted in a 58-58 tie.

The game instead went into overtime, where the Cavaliers came out on top 69-62.

ACC releases statement on Duke-Virginia finish

“The Atlantic Coast Conference, upon review of the final play of regulation during the Duke at Virginia men’s basketball game, has announced an incorrect adjudication of the playing rules,” read the official release by the conference.

“A foul was called on Virginia’s Ryan Dunn during a shot attempt by Duke’s Kyle Filipowski as time expired. Upon the officials’ review of the play, it was determined that the foul committed occurred after the clock reached 0.0. However, the play should have resulted in two free throws for Duke.”

Unfortunately for Duke, the ruling doesn’t amount to anything in the official score and standings for the conference. Basketball games rarely come down to just one missed call as the officials are tasked with making multiple judgement calls for the entire game — although a missed call after video replay when the entire game is on the line likely won’t sit well with Blue Devils players and fans this weekend.

On the other side of the dramatic finish, Virginia remained in first place in the ACC standings with the win. The Cavaliers remain in lock-step with Pitt at 11-3 conferences records, with a half-game lead over Miami at 11-4 in conference play.