USC
Rhode Island
Trojans Fall To Rams Amid Last-Second Controversy
November 26, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 26, 2002
KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) - Dustin Hellenga's baseline jump shot with 2.2 seconds to play in overtime gave Rhode Island a 73-71 win over Southern California, but not before a Trojans' 3-pointer at the buzzer was waved off after a replay review.
After Hellenga hit his fadeaway jumper, several of his teammates swarmed him near the baseline to celebrate a victory in the first men's basketball game at Rhode Island's new Ryan Center.
Southern California (1-1) raced the ball up the court and Desmon Farmer hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer, which was initially ruled good, giving the Trojans a 74-73 win.
Head official Joe DeMayo checked a television monitor to see if Farmer had released the ball before time expired, but the replay showed that there was no time on the clock when Farmer released the ball and the call was reversed.
Southern California Henry Bibby said he would protest the game, not because of the replay ruling, but because he thought Rhode Island (2-0) should have been called for a technical foul for celebrating on the court.
The Trojans were called for nine more fouls than Rhode Island, and the Rams went to the foul line 25 times compared to 10 trips for Southern California.
Rhode Island led almost the entire game, but the Trojans overcame a 47-35 second-half deficit to force overtime.
Nick Curtis' put back gave the Trojans a 67-65 lead with 49 seconds to play, but Lazare Adingono scored a layup with 31 seconds remaining to tie the game.
Hellenga scored a game-high 26 points and Brian Woodward added 11 points for the Rams. Robert Hutchinson scored 17 for Southern California, while Curtis and Farmer added 14 apiece.
