Why officials took points away from Alabama basketball to change halftime score vs Kentucky

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Alabama basketball faithful might be curious why the scoreboard changed for the Crimson Tide before halftime in SEC Tournament quarterfinals against Kentucky on Friday at Bridgestone Arena.

Referees called goaltending on Kentucky center Amari Williams after a layup attempt by UA guard Mark Sears with 45 seconds to halftime. Once the halftime buzzer sounded, officials reviewed the play and decided to reverse the call, which would've made for eight points on the evening for Sears in the first half.

What officials saw on Alabama basketball review

Alabama guard Mark Sears (1) shoots past Kentucky guard Collin Chandler (5) during the first half of a Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 14, 2025.

It was believed that Williams touched the ball after it had hit the backboard, so officials called the goaltend to give Sears a basket. The video review showed that Williams didn't, so the two points were taken away.

Waving off the basket saw the Crimson Tide enter the locker room up, 45-38, compared to the nine-point lead Alabama had before the call was overturned.

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why refs took points from Alabama basketball to change halftime score vs Kentucky

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