UTEP falls by one point to Old Dominion on controversial call

UTEP fans left the Don Haskins Center Thursday night in disbelief after UTEP fell to Old Dominion by a point, 62-61, on a controversial call at the end of the game.

Trailing by one with 2.1 seconds to play, UTEP guard Omega Harris missed a jumper that was then tipped in by Matt Willms.

Television replay appeared to indicate that the ball left the fingertips of Matt Willms with 0.1 seconds still on the clock.

Officials at the game went to the monitor and reportedly pulled out a stopwatch to time the last play, as the clock appeared to start late upon Omega Harris catching the inbounds pass.

After a lenghty review, the refs waived off Willms’ tip and gave the game to Old Dominion.

It’s a huge blow to the Miners, who would have clinched the third seed in the Conference USA tournament with the win.

Instead, the Monarchs will be the third seed come tournament time.

Rice also won Thursday, meaning if UTEP loses and Rice wins on Saturday, then the Miners won’t get a top-four seed in the C-USA tournament. Only the top four teams get byes in the first round.

UTEP will play Charlotte at home on Saturday, looking to put this tough loss behind them.