Michigan State Defeats Florida Gulf Coast After Game-Ending Clock Error

It is noteworthy anytime Florida Gulf Coast loses by a mere one point against Michigan State on the basketball court, but Sunday's 78-77 victory for the Spartans ended in controversy.

The Eagles had the opportunity to win the game with one final play and 1.6 seconds remaining, but the clock started running when Christian Terrell inbounded the ball instead of when Antravious Simmons received the pass.

ESPN.com shared the play:

There was plenty of confusion in the aftermath, especially from Florida Gulf Coast's bench, and the officials eventually went to the replay monitor before determining the game was over. Official Bo Boroski issued a statement and explanation when talking with pool reporter Matt Charboneau of the Detroit News (h/t Brendan F. Quinn of MLive Media Group):

"

A timing error occurred with 1.6 seconds remaining on the game clock. Since a timing error occurred, we were able to utilize the replay monitor. A stopwatch was used to determine if any time should remain on the game clock. Using a stopwatch, it was determined the ball was caught and released in 1.3 seconds, meaning if the shot would have gone in, it would have counted. After the miss, there was no time remaining in the game, therefore ending the game. By rule the possession cannot be replayed. Period.

"

While that is what the rule says, Florida Gulf Coast couldn’t have been pleased with the way its upset bid came crashing to an end.

Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com reacted to the sequence:

However, a report from the Associated Press and ESPN.com noted a source told Goodman referee Lewis Garrison—and not the clock operator—started the clock early. That same report said a spokesman from the Big Ten told ESPN the league is reviewing the play and will issue a statement when the review is done.

Controversy or not, Michigan State moved to 2-2 on the season after an 0-2 start with losses to Arizona and Kentucky.

The team shot a blistering 51 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from three-point range, although Eron Harris did most of the heavy lifting. He poured in 31 points and drilled all six of his three-point attempts.

In fact, he missed the same number of free throws (five) in 10 attempts as shots from the field in 15 attempts. Harris' effort helped the Spartans overcome 12 turnovers and a 41-29 rebounding advantage for Florida Gulf Coast.

Brandon Goodwin and Simmons each scored 18 points to lead the way for the Eagles.