John Pelphrey Ran the Christian Laettner Play to Perfection and Still Lost
There are 30+ year scars that still feel like fresh wounds for some Kentucky basketball fans. “The Shot” elicits emotion from Kentucky fans who weren’t even alive when Christian Laettner ended the Wildcats’ 1992 season. Now imagine what it was like for John Pelphrey, who had a front row seat to history. At least the Unforgettable learned an unforgettable lesson from that night.
Back on the sidelines as the head coach at Tennessee Tech, the second-seeded Golden Eagles were seeking their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1963 when Pelphrey was put in a familiar position.
Tennessee Tech took a late lead over Southeast Missouri State on a three in the OVC Tournament Final, but let it slip away by fouling a three-point shooter. Down two points with 2.2 on the clock, Tech needed to throw the ball the length of the court and hit a prayer to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive. Pelphrey knew what to do.
Like in 1992, the inbounds pass was not defended. With free rein, the one-armed pass was right on target to Diante Wood. Afraid to foul, SEMO defenders gave him just enough space to hit the game-winning three at the buzzer.
There was only one problem: Wood’s foot was on the line. Pelphrey’s play on the Laettner shot worked to perfection, but could not get Tennessee Tech into the NCAA Tournament. The first big-time buzzer-beater of the 2023 edition of March Madness was all for not.
Tennessee Tech opened the extra period ahead, leading by as many as four points with 2:42 on the clock, but it wasn’t meant to be. Israel Barnes gave SEMO a late lead by hitting a corner three that seemingly touched the rim and backboard five times before falling through the net. SEMO pulled away in the final minute for an 89-82 victory in the OVC Tournament Finals.
March is maddening. Sometimes prayers are answered, but this time it wasn’t enough for a win.
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