Santa Clara coach calls timeout before Kentucky's buzzer-beater

Referees did not grant the timeout, allowing Kentucky to hit a last-second shot and win the game.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:22pm

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In the final seconds of an NCAA Tournament game, Santa Clara was leading Kentucky by 3 points. Santa Clara head coach Herb Sendek called a timeout just before Kentucky hit a game-winning buzzer-beater, but the referees did not grant the timeout, allowing Kentucky to complete the comeback victory.

Why it matters

This controversial call at the end of the game has sparked debate about referee accountability and the importance of clear communication between coaches and officials, especially in high-stakes tournament situations.

The details

With Santa Clara leading 68-65 and just 2.7 seconds left, Kentucky inbounded the ball and hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to win 68-67. However, Santa Clara head coach Herb Sendek claims he "unequivocally called timeout" right after his team took the lead, but the referees did not grant it, allowing Kentucky's final shot to stand.

  • With 2.7 seconds left in the game, Santa Clara was leading Kentucky 68-65.
  • Kentucky hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the game 68-67.

The players

Herb Sendek

The head coach of the Santa Clara basketball team.

Allen Graves

A forward for the Santa Clara basketball team who hit a 3-pointer to give Santa Clara the late lead.

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What they’re saying

“I unequivocally called timeout [after Graves' 3-pointer], but they [the referees] didn't grant it, and I think the video evidence is clear [of that].”

— Herb Sendek, Head Coach, Santa Clara

What’s next

The NCAA is expected to review the controversial ending and determine if the referees made the correct call in not granting Sendek's timeout request.

The takeaway

This game-ending sequence highlights the need for clear communication and accountability between coaches and officials, especially in high-pressure tournament situations where a single call can determine the outcome.