While BYU basketball players were still on the floor Saturday night following an upset 96-95 win over No. 19 Arizona in Tucson, fans rained down a derogatory chant targeting the Utah-based school’s religious background.
This in turn led to Arizona athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois offering an apology on X:
Statement from Vice President and Director of Athletics, Desireé Reed-Francois:
Following tonight’s men’s basketball game, it was brought to our attention that an unacceptable chant occurred.
On behalf of the University of Arizona Athletic Department, we apologize to BYU,…
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) February 23, 2025
She called the brief spat from the student section at McKale Center “unacceptable” and “not reflective of who we are.”
Video of the chant showed Wildcat fans clapping and throwing out expletives while calling BYU players “Mormons.” Brigham Young University is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Just prior to the unruly fan outcry, Arizona’s Caleb Love — who matched his season-high of 27 points — exchanged a few choice words with Mawot Mag (11 points) and a few other Cougar players in the handshake line.
BYU’s Richie Saunders scored 23 points, including two free throws with 3.2 seconds left, to give the Cougars the road victory.
What led to the crazy Arizona-BYU finish?
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After BYU’s Dallin Hall missed a 1-and-1 free throw opportunity, Arizona’s Love got fouled and made two of his own free throws to give the Wildcats a 95-94 edge with 13 seconds remaining.
The Saunders foul was ticky-tacky is the eyes of Arizona faithful, but coach Tommy Lloyd said, “We’ve got to live with it.”
“Listen, it’s the Big 12. … And the guy who called it is one of the best refs,” Lloyd said postgame. “But step back. They scored 93 points up to that point on our home court. That’s the problem.”
Arizona will stay at home for a Wednesday matchup against Utah. Tip is set for 7 p.m. MST.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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