Controversial Ending Gives A&M Victory

Saturday, January 15

United Spirit Arena

5:00 PM CT

Texas Tech Athletics

Texas A&M

Rayford Young's game high 24 points were not enough to earn the Red Raiders a victory.

Controversial Ending Gives A&M Victory

January 15, 2000 | Men's Basketball

Jan. 15, 2000

Box Score

By PAM EASTON
Associated Press Writer

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - Andy Leatherman's layup at the buzzer was ruled good, no good and then good again, giving Texas A&M a controversial 88-86 victory over Texas Tech in a game delayed 39 minutes when the Aggies refused to play an overtime.

Official Charles Range ruled that Leatherman's basket was good, setting off a storm of protest from Texas Tech coach James Dickey and his players. The three game officials consulted a TV replay and then reversed the call, leaving the teams tied and necessitating overtime.

This time it was A&M coach Melvin Watkins who protested, keeping his team in its dressing room and refusing to play the extra period.

Thirty-nine minutes later, the call was reversed again, restoring the basket and the Texas A&M victory.

James Ware's 3-pointer with 8.6 seconds remaining tied the game, capping a furious comeback by Texas Tech (9-4 overall, 0-2 Big 12). Texas A&M (5-9, 1-2) had built a 77-66 lead with 5:40 to play after a 3-pointer by Bernard King.

Rayford Young led Texas Tech with 24 points. Carlton Brown had 22 for the Aggies.