NASSAU, Bahamas – Baylor’s game-winning 3-pointer by Jeremy Roach may have come after the clock expired had it started on time – and it was reviewable, a Big East source told The Post.
Television replays showed that the clock didn’t start on time after St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor missed the second of two free throws with 4.1 seconds left in the 22nd-ranked Johnnies’ 99-98 double overtime loss to No. 13 Baylor in the Baha Mar Hoops Championship.
It was initially deflected by RJ Luis of St. John’s, but the clock didn’t start until moments after Baylor had possession, giving Roach enough time to drain his rainbow 3-pointer at the buzzer.
The officials reviewed the play, but only to make sure Roach got the shot off on time, not if the clock began appropriately.
The source said the officials can review the entire play, and use a stopwatch to determine if the shot would’ve been good had the clock started when it should have and disallow the basket.
It is uncertain if Roach would’ve gotten the shot off before the horn if the clock started once Luis got his hand on the ball. He certainly would’ve had to rush more in that scenario.
Asked afterwards about the clock, St. John’s coach Rick Pitino said: “I don’t know what to say, the referees didn’t do a very good job tonight.”
Pitino was furious that Ejiofor was “iced” before taking his two free throws.
Baylor coach Scott Drew called for a review, thinking Ejiofor may have hit one of his players with an elbow when they fouled him, and the officials granted it.
“[The official] said the coach said we elbowed [his player], which we did not do,” Pitino said. “Clear as day. It’s an unethical move. I don’t like it, but that’s not the reason we lost.”