Purdue Fans, Media React to Late-Game Officiating in Loss to Houston in Sweet 16

Purdue fans were irate with the officials late in Friday's Sweet 16 game in the Boilermakers' heartbreaking 62-60 loss to Houston.

Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Furst (1) dribbles against Houston Cougars forward Joseph Tugler (11) | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

INDIANAPOLIS — Some questionable calls went against Purdue late in Friday night's Sweet 16 game against Houston and fans weren't too happy with the officials. Plenty let their feelings be known on social media.

There were multiple questionable calls down the stretch, but one proved to be fatal to Purdue's season. With time dwindling down, Houston's Milos Uzan had the ball in his hands and was ready to make a game-winning play. However, before he attempted a shot, he appeared to shove Braden Smith to the ground, fully extending his arm.

No foul was called, Uzan missed the shot and the ball was knocked out of bounds with Houston retaining possession. The Cougars then won the game on the ensuing inbounds play, with Uzan scoring with 0.8 seconds remaining.

Before diving into the fan reaction, here was the play:

"HE GOT AWAY WITH ONE THERE!" - Steve Lappas on the Milos Uzan push-off that was not called an offensive foul.

Houston would score the game-winning bucket on the ensuing play. 🏀🎙️ #MarchMadness https://t.co/NbEPFU1DFe pic.twitter.com/k8jN0hw843

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 29, 2025

I'm not an official — for good reason — but it's probably fair to say they missed that one. Needless to say, fans weren't too pleased with the no-call. But they weren't alone, plenty of media weighed in, too.

Here are just some of the responses.

That was an offensive foul on Milos Uzan. Clear as day push off. The hell are the refs doing

— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) March 29, 2025

Clear shove by Uzan.

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 29, 2025

The refs when Houston commits a blatant offensive foul in a tie game with seconds left #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/CZlIf00Qoe

— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) March 29, 2025

That’s an offensive foul.

Should be Purdue’s ball.

Wow.

— Jordan Stocks (@StockTalks21) March 29, 2025

That is an offensive foul in the game of basketball ever since the offensive foul was first called pic.twitter.com/WomMT6tGrn

— Bodie Kitchel (@Bkitch1Bodie) March 29, 2025

Refs stole this game from Purdue. Most obvious offensive foul in college basketball history on Houston’s last possession, absolutely criminal.

— SlauterIsland (@SlauterIsland) March 29, 2025

That is an offensive foul for 39 minutes of EVERY college game. That should be an offensive foul there. Don't care how much time is on the clock. Refs shouldn't be swallowing their whistle.

— Michael (@MichaelHMyers87) March 29, 2025

It is the most “by the rule” push off offensive foul I have ever seen in my entire life.

It LITERALLY does not get more clear. https://t.co/7pTUO09REE

— Zach Vogt (@ZachVogt30) March 29, 2025

Those are just a few examples of how social media handled that critical moment in the game. Instead of an offensive foul and potential overtime, Purdue's season came to an end.

The Boilermakers end the year with a 24-12 record and reached the Sweet 16 for the sixth time in eight seasons.

Related stories on Purdue basketball

PURDUE LOSES TO HOUSTON: Houston's Milos Uzan scored on an inbounds play with 0.8 seconds to go to give the Cougars a stunning 62-60 win over Purdue in the Midwest Regional semifinals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, ruining a thrilling Boilermakers comeback. CLICK HERE

SMITH JOINS ELITE COMPANY: Braden Smith dished out his 300th assist of the season in Friday's Sweet 16 game against Houston, becoming just the fourth player in college basketball history to do. CLICK HERE

GAME BLOG: No. 4 Purdue plays No. 1 Houston in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Follow the live blog for in-game updates throughout the night. CLICK HERE